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1—With John Brun 


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Load of Straw 
















WITH JOHN BRUN 

IN OLD MEXICO 


BY 

MRS. MAY CARR HANLEY 

» 


Pacific Press Publishing Association 

Mountain View, California 

Kansas City, Mo. Portland, Ore. St. Paul, Minn. 
Brookfield, III. Cristobal, C. Z. 



F/M 5 

.H 32, 


Copyright, 1924, by 
Pacific Press Publishing Association 



HAY -5 24 

©Cl A7 92266 

/ 








r 

CONTENTS 

The Need of Health and Money . . 7 

The Visit All Arranged.14 

Bon Voyage!.19 

Meeting Neay Friends on the Boat . 23 

Seeing Vera Cruz avith the Consul , 27 

The Ride to Mexico City .... 33 

The Virgin of Guadalupe .... 42 

The Hidden Books and the Angry 

Priest.54 

Neav Adventures Ahead.67 

The Rescue from Droavning . . .71 

Surrounded by Bandits.80 

Trolley.88 

A Mob Attacks the Church ... 96 

Some Are Caught in Ambush . . . 105 

Home Again! A Neav Purpose . . . 115 


( 5 ) 








. » 


i 





( 6 ) 


Map of Mexico 















THE NEED OF HEALTH AND 
MONEY 


RS. BRUN softly closed the door and 
followed the doctor into the hall. “Doc¬ 
tor, I must know what your verdict is. 
I can not bear the suspense any longer. I 
fear that John is not so strong these last few 
days, although he does not complain.” 

The grave old family doctor looked at her 
in a sympathetic manner, and said kindly, 
though firmly: “As I have told you repeat¬ 
edly, Mrs. Brun, John has studied too hard. 
He had a great ambition to gain a scholar¬ 
ship, and devoted every moment to attain his 
object; but he sacrificed his health, for he did 
not rest and exercise as he should. He must 
have a change of climate. Could you not 
send him away somewhere to escape our rig¬ 
orous northern winter — say to Florida or to 
California ?” 

A shade of sorrow and of perplexity 
passed over the patient face of Mrs. Brun 
as she exclaimed: “Oh, sir, how can we? We 
must talk it over. Tell me truly, doctor, is 
he going down as Catherine did?” 

“I greatly fear so; but talk the matter over 
with your family, and let me know your de¬ 
cision to-morrow. I wish to emphasize the 

(?) 





8 With John Brun in Old Meocico 

fact that whatever is done for your son must 
be done soon.” 

The doctor’s hand was upon the door, when 
he turned to the mother with a kindly smile, 
and said: “If you are worrying about Cath¬ 
erine’s bill, you just forget that for the time. 
Is not this child worth more than all the 
money in the world?” 

“Oh, to me he is far more precious than 
gold! No sacrifice would be too great, if I 
only knew what to do or how to manage. 
You have already done so much for us, I 
feel that your bill should be paid at once.” 

“Now give me a chance to help that much. 
Forget the bill, and plan speedily a change 
for John.” 

Mrs. Brun smiled her thanks after the de¬ 
parting doctor. Her heart was too full for 
words. She sat down on a sofa in the hall. 
No tears fell from her burning eyes. She 
clenched her hands tightly in her agony, and 
strove to control herself. She was dazed by 
the blunt announcement of the doctor. Could 
it be that John, her only boy, was stricken 
with the terrible “white plague,” and would 
soon be buried beside his only sister, who had 
succumbed to the dread disease in the spring? 
“I must be brave. I can not give way to my 
grief now.” And she prayed: “O Father, 


The Need of Health and Money 9 

help me in my affliction. Open the way that 
my son may be restored to health and 
strength.” Quieted and comforted by com¬ 
munion with the Source of all wisdom, she 
at last arose and entered the large, sunny 
living room. 

Reclining in an easy-chair before the win¬ 
dow was a tall, pale lad about sixteen years 
of age. He appeared decidedly handsome to 
his adoring mother’s eyes as he turned lan¬ 
guidly toward her. She asked in a solicitous 
tone, “Is the room too cool for you, son?” 

“Not in the least, mother. Isn’t this sun¬ 
shine glorious? What do you say to my 
walking down to the dean’s this morning and 
talking with him about entering college 
this fall?” 

The sorrowing mother turned to the table 
and pretended to arrange the books. How 
could she let him see, by her face, that all his 
eager plannings were futile? 

“Of course, I know very well that you and 
father can not afford to send me, after the 
heavy expense of Catherine’s long sickness; 
but you know that the dean spoke to me 
about helping him for my tuition. He said 
he needed some one as a sort of private sec¬ 
retary, and it need not interfere with my 
regular studies. Oh, if I had only won that 


10 With John Brun in Old Mexico 

scholarship! I feel confident that I would 
have done so if it had not been for dear 
sister’s death. I could not apply myself to 
my studies after that.” 

His mother crossed quickly to his side, and 
throwing her arms about his frail shoulders, 
whispered: “Mother knows all about it, my 
son; and the dear Father knows, too. Let us 
not worry, but trust to His guidance. Yes,” 
she added cheerfully, as she arose, “I believe 
it will be a fine plan to talk with the dean.” 

Mrs. Brun performed her usual duties that 
morning with her brain fairly afire with many 
plans for obeying the doctor’s instructions, 
but none of them were feasible. After the 
evening work was finished, and John had 
retired, exhausted by the unusual exercise, 
Mr. Brun seemed very uneasy, and said de¬ 
jectedly: “John is failing. What has the 
doctor to say about him?” 

His wife steadied herself by the edge of 
the table, as though to support herself for the 
trial before her, and answered in a strained 
voice: “I want to talk with you about him. 
Let us go across to father’s.” 

“But why go there?” 

“It is necessary for us to take them into 
our confidence. Maybe they can help us, and 
surely we need help now.” 


The Need of Health and Money 11 

He followed her silently, and then ques¬ 
tioned, alarmed, “What is it?” 

She hurried on, only motioning him to 
follow. As soon as they were seated in the 
cozy sitting room of her parents, she confided 
to them her conversation with the doctor, say¬ 
ing, in a choked voice: “What can we do to 
save our boy? Times have been so hard this 
summer, and we certainly have nothing left 
now to sell. The doctor’s bill for Catherine’s 
sickness is not paid yet, either, nor our team 
paid for. Without the team, we could not 
earn our daily bread. Dear old Doctor Rob¬ 
bins, though, gave me some courage, for he 
absolutely refuses to receive any money on 
his bill until we have done something for 
John. He realizes that what is done must be 
done very soon. What a comfort to have 
friends, real friends, in a time of trouble!” 

After a prolonged discussion of ways and 
means, in which Mrs. Brun’s father took no 
part, the old gentleman suddenly spoke: 
“Why not send him to his Uncle John for 
the winter? John invited us to go there last 
winter, but mother and I feel we are too old 
to go so far away from home.” 

His daughter gasped. “What! Away 
down in Mexico!” as though he had proposed 
sending the boy to the planet Mars. 


12 


With John Brun in Old Mexico 


Her father answered confidently: ‘‘Why 
not? John has often written of the fine cli¬ 
mate, and there would be no danger of the 
tropical fevers in the high altitude of Mexico 
City. I know that John and Elsie and their 
girls would welcome and take good care of 
the boy.” 

“Yes; but,” said practical Mr. Brun, “how 
could we raise the money for such a long and 
expensive journey? Doubtless John would 
help us if he knew of our predicament, but 
there is no time to wait for an interchange of 
letters now. The cold weather will soon 
be here.” 

Grandfather Turner raised his hand to 
command silence. Then he announced: “I 
have a little idea which I hope will materialize 
into something definite to-morrow.” 

His daughter interrupted him: “Oh, fa¬ 
ther, you are so—” 

“Please don’t thank me, nor ask me to¬ 
night what it is that I have in mind. Let us 
now read the restful and trust-inspiring 
twenty-third psalm and have a few words 
of prayer together.” 

Grandfather Turner earnestly pleaded 
with the Father to bestow His blessing upon 
them, and if it was His will that the boy be 
sent away, to open the right path to pursue. 


The Need of Health and Money 13 

As they arose from their knees, they stood 
silent a moment; then Mrs. Brun broke forth 
affectionately: “Oh, how thankful I am for 
my dear, good parents! We must go now, 
as Frank has to go to work so very early 
in the morning.” 

“Yes, Rachel,” added her father, “you had 
better make ready John’s clothes. I believe 
that the way w T ill open soon.” 

This was more than the already over¬ 
wrought mother could bear, and with a hasty 
“Good night,” she slipped out into the night 
by her suffering but less demonstrative 
husband. 



A Street in a Mexican City 







THE VISIT ALL ARRANGED 


ARLY in the morning, Mrs. Brim saw 
her father walking expectantly up and 
down in front of the gate. “I wonder 
what he is going to do,” she questioned to 
herself, as she observed that he was not 
dressed in his ordinary clothes. At this 
moment, Neighbor Fowler came along in his 
rumbling farm wagon. Her father hailed 
him, and climbing to the seat beside him, rode 
off in the direction of town. 

John was singularly quiet all the morning, 
and his mother had not wished to question 
him. At last, she found time to sit down 
beside him, and asked, as she stroked his curly 
hair, “Well, my boy, what did the dean say?” 

John flushed with pleasure as he replied: 
“He praised my last year’s work, and said 
that he should consider himself fortunate if 
I would consent to stay with him the coming 
year. Won’t that be great for me? He de¬ 
clares I don’t seem fit to enter college now, 
but I explained to him that I was recovering 
from a fever, and still had a slight cough. I 
shall soon be myself again.” 

A sharp pain struck through the mother’s 
heart, though she strove to appear calm, as 
she said: “John, how would you enjoy a little 

( 14 ) 




15 


The Visit All Arranged 

trip down south? We think that the change 
of climate and surroundings would quickly 
restore you to perfect health.” 

John laughed softly, and fondly caressed 
her cheek. “What a little mother to build 
air castles! Perhaps you are dreaming that 
we are millionaires. It-is so far from pos¬ 
sible, that I never even thought of such a 
thing. Don’t think, mother dear, that I am 
completely blind. I have seen your self- 
denials of the last few months, though you 
have tried so bravely to hide them from me; 
and I tell you—” 

It was left untold, however; for the door 
opened at this moment, and Mr. Turner 
entered. 

“How is my boy to-day?” he questioned 
gently. 

“I’m all right, grandfather. Did mother 
tell you my plans for entering college this 
fall?” He was so eager to tell the good news! 

“Yes, the dean is a fine man, we all know 
that; but, my boy, I have other plans for 
you,” said the old gentleman, as he drew 
from his pocket a fat envelope and' handed 
it to the astonished boy. 

“Open it, John, and let me hear what 
you think.” 


16 


With John Brim in Old Mexico 

“It sounds like — why, grandfather, it can 
not be bills! Mother was just dreaming 
about being a millionaire.” He drew forth 
several crisp new greenbacks. Mrs. Brim 
had hastily arisen and stood as though 
startled. 

“Why, father!” she began; but her father 
raised a warning finger. 

“Yes, John,” he continued, “we want you 
to take a little trip, to build up strength for 
your course in college. What do you say to 
a visit to your Uncle John in Mexico City?” 

“For me? I can not believe my ears!” 

John was excited. He grew sober as he 
said: “But, grandfather, how have you man¬ 
aged it? Can we afford it?” 

“How do you know how much money I 
may have hidden away in my little tin bank?” 
laughed Grandfather Turner. “My dear 
son, we are all rich, or we should be — rich 
in faith toward our heavenly Father. He 
will give us all that is good for us. Now 
rest awhile, and decide how you would like 
to travel, by rail or by boat.” 

Mr. Turner patted the shoulder of the 
astonished boy, who made frantic signs, as if 
pinching himself to see if he was dreaming. 

“Come, Rachel, let us make some plans of 
our own, and leave John to see if he wakes 






2 


( 17 ) 














18 With John Brun in Old Meocico 

up from this dream he is having. Now, my 
boy, you will be glad that you studied Latin, 
for that will be a help in mastering the 
Spanish language.” 

Mrs. Brun exclaimed, as soon as they were 
alone, “Oh, father, I do hope you have done 
nothing rash!” 

“You may term it so, but I do not. I 
mortgaged the house and lot.” 

“Father! All that you and mother have 
for your old age!” 

“Never mind; this is our only grandson. 
What is mere money compared with his 
health and life? And now to business! I 
telegraphed to New York, and found that a 
steamer will leave there for Vera Cruz, 
Mexico, to-morrow afternoon. By taking 
the midnight train, John could reach the boat 
easily. I think you are the best person to see 
him safely on board. Could you get ready 
so soon,' and will you go?” 

Deep emotion convulsed the features of 
the daughter’s careworn face, though she 
answered quietly: “Yes, father, I can and I 
will. It is hard to send a young boy so far 
away alone, but I see no alternative. You 
break the news of his sudden departure, while 
I begin our preparations. When I am 
calmer, I will come in, too.” 


BON VOYAGE! 


HE little group awaiting the midnight 
train at the lonely station would not 
have claimed especial attention from a 
casual observer. Except for a surreptitious 
. clasping of hands or wiping away of a tear, 
they were quiet and cheerful, and no emotion 
was displayed. 

Mrs. Brun and her son reached New York 
the following morning. John was so ex¬ 
hausted by the journey, they drove at once 
to a hotel, where he was soon made com¬ 
fortable. 

“I must go now and hunt up the steamship 
company, and arrange for your passage,” 
said his mother. 

“You do not know how it hurts me to lie 
here and let you run around by yourself in 
this great city, and attend to my arrange¬ 
ments for me,” John said. “But I am mak¬ 
ing great plans as to what I shall do when 
I am strong again, for all you dear ones.” 

“I know full well that you appreciate all 
that grandfather is doing for you. lie wants 
you to be well soon, so you must not worry 
about anything. For all that you know, this 
may be a regular lark to your stay-at-home 
mother, to get out in big New York.” 

( 19 ) 






20 With John Brun in Old Mexico 


It was not a lark for the timid little coun¬ 
try woman. But she pretended to be very 
brave. Such a crowd! People hurrying in 
every direction, and all so intent on their own 
business! She was frightened and confused 
by the noise and bustle of the jostling crowd. 
Persistently she asked and walked and found 
her way about. 

An hour before the appointed time for 
sailing, John was settled in his stateroom. 
They talked quietly of the dean, and his offer 
to help the boy through school; of the dear 
ones at home; of the uncertain future; and 
of the new and strange world he was so soon 
to enter. Mrs. Brun drew a small package 
from her pocket, and unwrapping it, handed 
it to him. 

He recognized it as her little worn red Bible. 

“This precious little volume was given to 
me by my mother on my sixteenth birthday. 
You see, she wrote my name on the flyleaf 
in her own delicate handwriting. See how 
faded it is. ‘To my daughter, Rachel Turner, 
from her mother.’ 1 have added your name 
below: ‘To John Brun. “Remember now 
thy Creator in the days of thy youth.” Ec¬ 
clesiastes 12:1.’ 

“You know, my boy, that this has been my 
most cherished possession. May it prove a 


21 


Bon Voyage! 

present help in time of need, a never-failing 
comfort. I want this dear Word to be your 
greatest treasure in all the world.” 

The mother felt that her heart was break¬ 
ing with the dread certainty of the separation, 
perhaps forever, from her only child; while 
John, though young, and anxious for the 
new sights in the land he was to visit, felt 
sad too. 

Mrs. Brun was notified that the “Santiago” 
would soon sail, and that all visitors must go 
ashore. As John held her in the last fare¬ 
well, she said: “Always remember that every 
cloud has a silver lining. Have faith in God, 
and you shall see the brightness of what now 
seems so dark.” 

Mrs. Brun did not stay with the crowd on 
the wharf to wave to the departing boat. 
She felt that she could not stand calmly by 
while her heart was so overwhelmed with sor¬ 
row. Besides, if she was to catch the return¬ 
ing train that day, she must hurry. 

Going back to that lonely home was hard, 
and the long, sad days of watching and wait¬ 
ing for word from the loved boy were also 
hard; but the parents were well schooled in 
endurance. The round of daily duties went 
on as before. All worked and saved and 
planned for the comfort of the absent one. 


22 With John Brun in Old Meodco 

Every day was carrying John farther south 
into the warm, balmy climate of old Mexico. 
The first few days, he was content to lie in 
a deck chair and enjoy the fresh breeze and 
the warm sunshine. 

He saw more than the water about him. 
There were sometimes sharks and other large 
fish. When flying fish soared past the 
steamer, they caused considerable excitement 
among the passengers. They seemed not to 
fly like a bird, but to sail through the air as 
if they had made a long jump. 

The passengers, of course, were of different 
nationalities. John liked to watch them. A 
motherly Spanish lady tried to make friends 
with him, but not a word could he understand 
of the language she spoke. 

The young people on board had not tried 
to make the acquaintance of John at first, as 
he stayed close to his chair; but later a jolly 
group who were pacing the deck, stopped in 
front of him. 

“Don’t you want to join us?” asked a 
young American. 

“Yes,” John answered quickly, for he had 
really been longing for companionship, and 
he felt much stronger. They all laughingly 
introduced themselves, and then proceeded to 
promenade on the deck. 


MEETING NEW FRIENDS ON 
THE BOAT 


E have not seen much of you on this 
voyage,” said a young girl who had 
been walking near John. She had told 
that she was on the way to Brazil with 
her parents. Her father was American con¬ 
sul there, and she had spent the most of her 
life in that country. 

“I guess that’s right,” John replied laugh¬ 
ingly. “I’m out for my health and have been 
resting; but I’m beginning to feel almost 
made over new. Isn’t this salt sea breeze 
glorious to put new life and energy into you?” 

“Fine!” she answered. “Perhaps now we 
shall see you at the dance to-night in the 
saloon. I have danced with everyone on 
board except you, and I should like to see 
how you dance too;” and she smiled at him. 

“But I do not dance.” 

“You don’t dance! The idea! How do 
you get along without it? Your education 
has been sadly neglected,” she said with a 
merry laugh. 

“Doesn’t Brun dance?” queried the girl’s 
brother. “That’s good! Then I claim him 
for a partner with the cards this evening, or 
in the pool hall. How’ll that be?” 






24 With John Brun in Old Mexico 


John saw that these young people were 
different from those he had always associated 
with. Yet he knew they were sincere in 
trying to make him feel at ease in their com¬ 
pany, and he must take care to show his 
appreciation of their kindness. 

“You are all very good and kind, I am 
sure,” he began with a hearty smile; “but I 
do not dance, nor play cards nor pool.” 

“Do tell us why,” one asked. 

“I have always been too busy. I have 
worked my way through high school; and 
when you do that, you do not have time for 
very much of such kinds of pleasure. I was 
planning to start college this fall, by being 
secretary to the dean.” His eyes were bright, 
and his tone earnest, and they could not fail 
to see that his education was to him most 
important. 

“I’ll tell you what,” he said, looking ques- 
tioningly into their faces. “Most of you 
speak Spanish, do you?” 

“Well,” one of them replied, laughing, “I 
presume that all of us do, with varying de¬ 
grees of accuracy.” 

“I want to learn it as quickly as possible. 
If you’ll each teach me a little each day, I’ll 
be a model student.” 


Meeting New Friends on the Boat 25 

A happy laugh greeted him, and they all 
began to speak in Spanish. 

“Babel! Babel!” called John. “One at a 
time, please!” 

“You shall have your first lesson now, 
Senor,” said the girl from Brazil. “And it 
shall be five words. We speak Portuguese 
in Brazil, but father had a Spanish teacher 
for us. The two languages are much alike, 
and Spanish was always very easy for me.” 
John right then began to learn. 

Toward the end of the voyage, he could be 
seen pacing the deck, with elastic step, erect 
body, and his cheeks ruddy and glowing. 

Vera Cruz was sighted, apparently consist¬ 
ing of low, white sand hills. As the steamer 
entered the harbor, the city presented a 
strange appearance to the eyes of John. He 
was gladdened, however, by the sight of his 
country’s flag floating in the morning breeze. 
His friends of the voyage were going ashore, 
too, for a little time, so they all passed 
through the customhouse together. 

“Where do you go from here?” asked the 
young man from Brazil. 

“To Mexico City,” Brun answered. “I 
have an uncle there, that I expect to visit. 
My father said I should hunt up the Ameri- 


26 With John Brun in Old Meooico' 

can consul as soon as I arrived here, and he 
would help me to get started right.” 

His new friend held out his hand. “We 
have been glad to know you. Now when you 
get to be a missionary — that’s what you are 
going to be, isn’t it? Well, when you get to 
be one, you must come down to Brazil and 
teach us heathen.” 

John laughed and shook hands. “I’ve en¬ 
joyed your company, too, you may be sure — 
and see how you have taught me to talk!” 

He had not thought that he could be a 
missionary; but now, to be really honest with 
himself, why not? He wondered if he ever 
should. He stopped a moment to think over 
that missionary idea. 

With many good wishes, his friends left 
him at the consul’s door. 


SEEING VERA CRUZ WITH 
THE CONSUL 


HE consul received John cordially, in¬ 
quiring if he intended to remain in 
Vera Cruz. “No, sir. I am on my 
way to the City of Mexico, to visit my uncle, 
John Turner, who has lived there many 
years. I came to you to ask for information 
concerning the best way to reach the capital.” 

“So you are a nephew of John Turner, the 
mine owner? I know him very well. I have 
just received a letter from him; but strange 
he did not mention your expected arrival, so 
that I might have met you at the wharf.” 

“My uncle did not know of it himself. I 
was not very well, and my parents wished me 
to leave New York before the cold weather 
began, so they hustled me off on the first 
boat. They really had no time to write 
Uncle John. I shall have to find my way 
the best I can.” 

“Do you speak Spanish?” 

“I wish I could!” 

“I’ll send my mozo to find out about the 
time the stage leaves and help you in secur¬ 
ing passage. In the meantime, you might 
want to see something of this city.” 



( 27 ) 




28 With John Brun in Old Mexico 

The servant soon returned, saying that the 
stage would leave very early the next morn¬ 
ing. With the consul as a guide, John 
explored Vera Cruz that afternoon. How 
different nearly everything was from what he 
had been accustomed to in the United States! 
He was impressed by the large number of 
buzzards in the streets and gutters. “Buz¬ 
zards everywhere!” he said to the consul. 
“They must be kept as pets down here.” 

“Not pets exactly,” the consul replied, with 
a laugh, “but they are very necessary to the 
health of the people. Mexico is far behind in 
sanitation, and these buzzards act as scaven¬ 
gers, eating up the garbage thrown out. As 
you can see, they feel very much at home, for 
they are never disturbed.” 

Looking out over the harbor, John said, 
“I was wondering if that stone building we 
passed in entering is a lighthouse.” 

“No; that is the much dreaded prison of 
San Juan de Ulloa. Many of the cells are 
beneath the water, and consequently wet and 
moldy. If you should row out there, you 
could see some of the prisoners who are in 
cells aboveground. Needless to say we never 
get to see those below. These men are allowed 
to make small trinkets to sell, and thus earn 
a few centavos to buy a little more food than 


Seeing Vera Cruz with the Consul 29 



A Mexican Newsboy 

is furnished them. One day 1 bought some 
of the little objects which they held out 
through the bars.” 





30 With John Brim in Old Mexico 


“What can they make, without tools?” 

“I once bought a little monkey made of 
peach pits. The carving had all been done 
with an old nail. To me, it really is wonder¬ 
ful what can be done when there is a desire 
to do it.” 

“Where there is a will,” John repeated 
under his breath. 

The consul gave him a quick glance. 
“What are you going to will to do?” 

“I was just thinking aloud,” he laughed a 
little embarrassedly. “But my first desire is 
to learn Spanish. A person surely is handi¬ 
capped until he knows the language of a 
country.” 

That evening, the consul saw that his guest 
was comfortable for the night. Young Brun 
had much to think about, but was too tired 
to think over many of the strange things he 
had seen. 

Very early in the morning, he was awak¬ 
ened by a trim house servant, with water, and 
two peeled oranges on a plate. It was a 
custom, he learned later, to peel the oranges 
in the evening, and set them outside, so that 
the dew would fall upon them during the 
night. “These oranges are good,” he told 
himself. 


Seeing Vera Cruz with the Consul 31 

Dressing hurriedly, he entered the patio, 
where he found his host awaiting him. There 
he was invited to eat the baked plantains, 
atole, and sweet bread, and drink the chocolate, 
set before him. After a hearty breakfast, the 
consul ordered the mozo to carry Brun’s bag¬ 
gage, and he led the way to the stage. 

There was so much that was new to John, 
he could not grasp all the curious scenes at 
once. The low adobe houses, for instance, 
built in solid squares, looked so much alike 
that he wondered how folks found their way 
about. The great stage, drawn by six husky 
mules, was itself a marvel. The driver, an 
Indian, sat upon the high seat, his hands full 
of lines. There was an outrider whose task 
it was to wield the whip over the mules. In¬ 
side the stage there were two broad seats 
facing each other, while down the aisle there 
was a backless seat. 

“It looks as if you were to be the only 
gentleman in all this crowd of women and 
children,” said the consul. “I’m afraid your 
chivalry will be put to the test.” 

Young Brun wasn’t sure just how chival¬ 
rous he should be to some of the passengers; 
but after the hint from the consul, he decided 
that it was then no time to make over habits 
diligently acquired. 


32 With John Brun in Old Mexico 


John suddenly remembered a letter that he 
had in his coat pocket, and he handed it 
apologetically to the consul. “I am very 
sorry to trouble you,” he said, “but would 
you see that this is mailed for me? I prom¬ 
ised mother that I would write at the first 
opportunity.” 

“Most assuredly I will attend to it for you. 
And now good-by, with regards to your 
uncle.” 

The seats were packed, and where John 
was to sit seemed a mystery. The passengers 
good-naturedly crowded over, and he was 
squeezed in, while the luggage was piled on 
top of the coach. The consul had given him 
specific directions as to how to reach his 
uncle’s house in Mexico City. 

The attendants loosed their hold upon the 
mules, and with a rush, they were off. 


THE HIDE TO MEXICO CITY 


HE first day was a trying one. John 
was jolted and crowded, overheated, 
and bitten bv strange insects. At night, 
the coach stopped at a wayside tavern, where 
everything seemed — well, hardly like home. 

The second day, the road went up, up, up, 
past thriving orange and banana groves, 
green, waving cane fields, and coffee planta¬ 
tions, upon the surrounding hillsides. The 
scenery was grand beyond description. 

Young Brim found himself holding his 
breath with awe as he gazed upon stately 
Mount Orizaba as it stood out in bold relief 
against the deep blue sky. Always snow¬ 
capped, this majestic mountain stands 
guardian over the gulf coast. In the same 
range is Cofre de Perote, which a passenger 
told him contained a priceless treasure, but 
none dared seek it, under penalty of death. 

Months afterwards, John heard some of 
the many legends told by the Indians con¬ 
cerning the mountains. One was that the 
mountains were formerly great friends. Cofre 
de Perote was snow-capped, while Orizaba 
was only so favored when there was an occa¬ 
sional rare cold spell. Once Orizaba asked 
Perote to lend him his nightcap, and Perote 

( 33 ) 






34 With John Brun in Old Mexico 

gruffly refused, whereupon there was a ter¬ 
rible quarrel. In mercy, the elements veiled 
the mountains in mist. The thunder and 
lightning that went on beyond the curtain 
were frightful. It seems that Orizaba won; 
for ever since, he has worn the nightcap 
of snow. 

Another beautiful view was spread before 
the passengers when they reached the pass. 
The city of Jalapa was nestling at the foot 
of the mountains. This city, he learned, ob¬ 
tained its name because of the prolific growth, 
in its vicinity, of the plant from which jalap 
is made. The pure, clear air and the altitude 
have given Jalapa the reputation of curing 
insomnia. Young Brun slept soundly; but he 
was not sure that this was because of the air 
so much as because of his being “dead tired.” 

As a rule, the travelers were up and off 
before sunrise; but on account of a broken 
tire, they were delayed here, and thus John 
had an opportunity to see more of the quaint 
old city built upon the high hills. Especially 
interesting were the long burro trains laden 
with coffee, and urged on by the shouting 
arrerios. An American stood by, supervising 
the packing of the train. He told John many 
interesting facts about Jalapa. 


35 


The Hide to Mexico City 

“There is a poor blind man, a beggar, no 
doubt,” said John. “I am so thankful for 
my own sight, that I should drop a coin into 
his hand.” 

The American shook his head. “No. I’ll 
tell you his story. In Mexico, when a young 
man cares to show attention to a young lady, 
instead of calling upon her as in our country, 
he stands at her window. He will spend 
evening after evening gazing at the barred 
window. If his attentions are agreeable, the 
girl will come to the window and talk with 
him. This poor fellow was blinded by an 
accident, and so would not ask his ladylove 
to marry him after that; but year after year, 
he has stood faithfully by her window, until 
he has actually worn holes in the stone pave¬ 
ment. See, she is coming now to the window 
to speak to him.” 

“Foolish; don’t you think so?” 

“Yes, but pathetic, too. Would you like 
to look at some of the churches? There are 
many here, and each has its own peculiar 
story. The Church of Conception is close by. 
Let us walk over there.” 

The building was old and weather-beaten. 
They entered a very large room, which was 
empty except for the altars in the rear. The 
windows were high above their heads. 


36 With John Brun in Old Meocico 

“The legend about this church is that when 
a person prays for a certain thing, and makes 
a pilgrimage to the church, and burns candles 
before the image of the Virgin Mary there in 
the corner, then his request will be granted. 
The Mexican thereupon brings to the church 
something to represent his granted prayer, and 
hangs it upon the wall of this room. Here 
are crutches, shovels, beds, pictures, machetes, 
sandals, blankets, and — well, almost too many 
things to count.’* 

“There are a lot of baby clothes. What 
are they to represent, do you suppose?” ques¬ 
tioned Brun, as they walked around the room. 

“I have been told that childless women 
make pilgrimages here to pray for children. 
When they are blessed with a child, they 
bring a little shirt or dress to show their ap¬ 
preciation. All together it surely is a motley 
collection. Just to satisfy my curiosity, I 
wish I had a list of the things here.” 

“Yes; and I wish I could remember half 
that I see and hear in this land of manana” 
John added. “I promised my home friends 
that I would write all about everything; but 
mere words don’t tell very well.” 

“You had better write your impressions 
now; for in a little while, you will cease to 
be impressed. You will soon be a ‘Mexican,’ 



( 37 ) 




An Old Catholic Church in Mexico 







38 With John Brun in Old Mexico 

like the rest of us. Nothing looks strange to 
me now, and I feel perfectly at home here.” 

“Don’t you expect ever to return to the 
States?” 

“Oh, yes, some day! I love the homeland; 
but I am making money here, understand the 
language, have a good time, plenty to eat and 
to wear — what else is there in this world, 
anyway?” 

“Yes, this is a good old world to live in, 
with evidences of God’s love all about us,” 
young Brun answered quietly. 

“Say, you’re not one of those missionaries, 
are you?” demanded the man in a provocative 
tone. Again the same question that had so 
stirred John when asked by the young people 
on the boat. 

“No, I am not; but I wish that I were.” 

“Why?” questioned the man sternly. 

“Since I have been on this trip, I have 
thought much about the good that could be 
done in telling folks of the real love of God, 
and the gospel. If I do that, I shall be a 
missionary, shall I not?” 

“I suppose so, but I don’t want anyone 
coming around and preaching to me.” 

“Oh, I couldn’t do that!” said John ear¬ 
nestly. “Only you must of course believe—” 


39 


The Ride to Mexico City 

“Well, I don’t know whether I do or not. 
But let us not discuss the matter,” said 
the man. 

Young Brun saw that he could not say 
more, so he decided it was about time for him 
to return to the stage. 

“How is it that you are traveling by stage, 
when we have a fine railroad now from Vera 
Cruz to the City of Mexico?” queried the man. 

“There was some trouble blocking the rail¬ 
way, so the consul thought it would be a fine 
trip for me to come by stage. I am glad that 
I did, and glad that I have met you.” And 
he held out his hand as he turned to go. 

“Pretty good lad after all!” said the man 
to himself, as he walked away. 

Again the stage was rambling along. This 
time, John was sitting beside the driver. 
Still up they went. Would they never reach 
the top! 

At last, Mount Popocatepetl loomed in 
sight, and he was told that Mexico City was 
in the valley at its base. He breathed a sigh 
of relief. A young Englishman who had 
joined the passengers at Jalapa asked if his 
satisfaction was caused by the supposition 
that being so near the city, there would be 
no more fear of bandits. 



( 40 ) 


The Volcano of Mount Popocatepetl Viewed from an Airplane 












41 


The Bide to Mexico City 

“No,” laughed Enin; “I am only sore ami 
tired. The fact is, I never thought of/rob¬ 
bers. I guess that ‘where ignorance/rs bliss, 
’tis folly to he wise.’” / 

“Not much danger now frqn* / bandits, but 
formerly this long ride by stage was beset by 
many perils. Twenty-five years ago, my 
father came to Mexico City, established his 
business, and returned to England for his 
bride. Arriving at Vera Cruz, they set out 
in the stage with her magnificent trousseau in 
her trunks overhead, as our trunks are now. 
As they were ascending a steep, dangerous 
road, they were suddenly set upon by robbers 
and compelled to give up all their money and 
valuables. Not satisfied with this, the bandits 
took all their baggage; and last, they obliged 
all, even the driver, to divest themselves of 
every stitch of clothing. When this was 
done, they were ordered to drive on. Such 
outrages, in this section at least, have been 
suppressed, and one is quite safe. The presi¬ 
dent has dealt severely with the bandits.” 


THE VIRGIN OF GUADALUPE 


OHN, aided by the directions of the con¬ 
sul, had no difficulty in finding the 
street and number of his uncle’s home. 
He hesitated before the imposing structure. 
Through the iron gate of the broad hallway, 
he caught a glimpse of wide, shady corridors, 
blossoming plants, and the swinging cages of 
birds. “I wonder how I shall be received,” 
he thought. “I really do not look very pre¬ 
sentable after my long, dusty journey.” 

His heart beat faster as he rang the bell, 
which was answered by a mahogany-colored 
maid. She unlocked the iron doors; and he 
passed through the hall, to the roomy corri¬ 
dor, which was furnished with divans, rugs, 
and easy-chairs. A round-faced, smiling lady 
met him, and began to speak in an unknown 
tongue. 

The possibility of his Aunt Elsie’s not 
speaking English had never occurred to him. 
He could only reply, “Pardon me, I speak 
only English.” 

“Ah,” she replied, “we meet so few Eng¬ 
lish, I thought you must be German.” 

“No, madam; I am just from New York. 
I have a letter for Mr. John Turner, from 
his sister, Mrs. Brun.” 

( 42 ) 




43 


The Virgin of Guadalupe 

“Indeed!” as she took the proffered letter. 
“I will give it to him at once. Will you not 
be seated?” 

Almost immediately John was cordially 
received by his uncle. “This is a rare treat 
for us, my boy. My sister Rachel’s only son! 
It was so good of her to lend you to us! We 
have often talked of visiting our dear ones at 
home, but my business keeps me very close. 
Rachel was a beautiful little miss, not much 
older than you are, when I last saw her.” 

After many questions concerning the ones 
at home, Aunt Elsie led John to his room, 
saying kindly: “You must be very tired. 
There is plenty of time for you to have a rest 
before dinner. We dine at one o’clock, when 
your cousins will be home from school.” 

When he was at last left alone, John lifted 
his heart in thankfulness to the gracious 
heavenly Father for His watchful care over 
him, and for his safe journey. After wash¬ 
ing, he wrote to his parents. 

“Mother,” he began, “you would think 
Uncle John’s house a perfect palace. I will 
describe it later, as I see more of it. My 
room is very large, with lofty ceiling, and 
white adobe walls. Great windows open on 
the wide, cool corridor. The floors are of 
beautiful tiles laid in curious designs. The 


44 With John Brim in Old Mexico 

furnishings are all of white. Uncle John and 
Aunt Elsie are surely fine folks. I know I 
am going to have a goo(J visit here. I can 
not help admiring this handsome home. If 
God will but grant me health, I promise you 
I will help you to enjoy better times, and 
repay dear, unselfish grandfather and grand¬ 
mother for all they have done for me. My 
cough has almost disappeared.” 

The cousins Thelma and Teresa proved to 
be congenial companions; and under their 
guidance, young Brun was shown all the 
chief places of interest in the city. 

One afternoon as he and his cousin Thelma 
came in from a horseback ride to Chapultepec 
and through a beautiful park, they found a 
gentleman sitting in the parlor conversing 
with Mr. Turner. Thelma rushed up to greet 
him. “O Mr. Black, when did you return? 
Do tell us how you succeeded.” 

After she had introduced her cousin, the 
two young people settled down to listen to 
the interrupted conversation, which was most 
interesting to John. 

It seemed that Mr. Black was a colporteur 
of the American Bible Society, who had trav¬ 
eled all over Mexico. The story of his ad¬ 
ventures would fill volumes. He was a very 
modest, quiet man, and seldom told of his 



Carrying Wood to Market 


( 45 ) 











46 


With John Brun in Old Mexico 


own experiences; but now, seeing the interest 
of young Brun and Thelma, he related sev¬ 
eral incidents of his work. 

St. Paul and Livingstone had been John’s 
two missionary heroes, and often had he, when 
reading of Paul’s travels, wished that he could 
have been with him. Now here he was sitting 
in a house as Oriental in appearance as one 
of the houses in Palestine, listening to an 
account of beating, stoning, perils of water, 
perils of robbers, perils of countrymen, perils 
by the heathen — in the city, in the wilder¬ 
ness, and on the sea — until he fancied he 
must be dreaming or reading, and that pres¬ 
ently he would awake and find himself in his 
easy-chair before the fire in the old sitting 
room at home. 

“When are you going on your trip west, 
Mr. Black?” inquired Thelma. 

“Just as soon as we can find some one to 
go with me. The young man I was intend¬ 
ing to take is now sick, and I need more 
than a peon.” 

That evening, as the family were sitting in 
the patio, enjoying the moonlight, Mr. Tur¬ 
ner said: “Mr. Black certainly has done a 
wonderful work among the Mexican natives. 
He can sell Bibles where others can do noth¬ 
ing, and he sells to all classes.” 


47 


The Virgin of Guadalupe 

“Father,” said twelve-year-old Teresa, “to¬ 
morrow is the twelfth of December. Will 
you not take us out to Guadalupe? I would 
like to have John see it on the grand day.” 

“Certainly,” replied her father. “Mr. 
Black is going out to sell Bibles, 'and we can 
go with him. You can then see how he works. 
We must not get too near to him, or we may 
get some of his stones,” he added, laughing. 
“And now, good night, my daughters; you 
will have to secure a half-holiday, and we will 
set out by one o’clock.” 

“What is this that I am to see to-morrow?” 
asked young Brun. 

“It is a big festival of the church. Mother, 
you tell John the story of the Virgin of 
Guadalupe. I heard Natalie, the washer¬ 
woman, telling you all about it to-day.” 

“It is only a legend, but it will give you a 
better understanding of this great festival,” 
assented Mrs. Turner. 

“On a high hill, about three miles from 
Mexico City, there is a fine church, around 
which a large village has grown up. It is the 
shrine of the Virgin of Guadalupe, who is the 
saint most generally worshiped in Mexico. 
The legend runs thus: One day over three 
hundred years ago, an Indian was coming 
over a trail that led from his village to the 


48 


With John Bruit in Old Medico 

city, when suddenly a great light shone around 
him, and looking up, he saw a beautiful lady 
descending from the clouds. He was dread¬ 
fully frightened, but she spoke to him, and 
told him that she was the Virgin. She had a 
message for him. He was to go to the bishop, 
and say that she wished a chapel built in her 
honor, on this spot. 

“ ‘But, mother, they will not listen to me, 
a poor Indian.’ 

“ ‘Go,’ she commanded, ‘obey me, and leave 
the results with me.’ 

“Accordingly he went on his way; and 
when he arrived at the door of the bishop’s 
palace, the porter would not allow him to 
enter. Sadly he retraced his steps; but fear¬ 
ing to meet the Virgin with the story of his 
failure, he took a roundabout route, and 
reached home without seeing or hearing any¬ 
thing more of her. 

“The next morning before day, he was 
awakened by his aunt. ‘Juan,’ said she, ‘go 
quickly for the father. Your uncle is very 
ill, and we fear that he will die with his sins 
unconfessed.’ 

“‘O aunt,’ answered Juan sleepily, ‘it is so 
dark, and I can not find my sandals! Let 
us wait until morning; then, if he is not 
better, I will go. It is very cold now.’ 


49 


The Virgin of Guadalupe 

“‘For shame, Juan Diego!’ exclaimed she. 
‘Would you allow your poor uncle to suffer 
in purgatory rather than disturb 'yourself 
a little?’ 

“ ‘Well, I suppose that I must go,’ grum¬ 
bled Juan. ‘Where is my serape?’ 

“His heavy blanket was doing duty as bed 
covering for his sick uncle; so, taking his 
tilma ,— a sort of apron made from a long, 
straight piece of coarse, white cloth,— he set 
out. But in his haste, he took the trail lead¬ 
ing over the hill. When he arrived at the 
top, the light shone around him; and looking 
up, he saw the Virgin again. He prostrated 
himself on the ground. 

“‘What success had you on your mission?’ 
she asked him. 

“‘Oh, nothing but failure! I knew that a 
poor Indian would not be heard.’ 

“ ‘Go back, and say you must see the 
bishop, and tell him what I say.’ 

“ ‘But, Madre Soberana, they will not let 
me in; and besides, my uncle is very ill, and 
they have sent me for the confessor before 
he dies.’ 

“‘Go on,’ commanded the Virgin; ‘your 
uncle is well.’ 

“When he presented himself at the bishop’s 
door, he was repulsed; but just then the 


4 


50 With John Brun in Old Mexico 

bishop himself came out, and upon hearing 
that the Indian had a very important com¬ 
munication to make, took him into his room. 

“Juan’s earnestness impressed him, but he 
said: ‘I can not do such a thing without more 
proof of the truth of the apparition. Go 
back, and if she appears to you again, tell her 
to send a proof.’ 

“As the Indian left the palace, the porter 
said, ‘Do not appear here again without 
proof, or we will give you three hundred 
lashes on the bare back, and burn you with 
green wood.’ 

“An awful threat was this, and Juan went 
back with fear and trembling to the moun¬ 
tain, where the Virgin appeared to him again. 

‘“Juan Diego, how did you succeed?’ she 
asked him. 

“‘O mother mine, just as I said! At first, 
I could not see the illustrious senor; and 
mother, when I did see him, he would not 
believe me, and demanded a proof of what 
I told him.’ 

“‘In the morning early, go up to the top 
of the mountain, and gather roses that you 
will find there. Take them to the bishop, and 
tell him where you gathered them.’ 

“‘Roses!’ echoed Juan in astonishment. 
‘Nothing grows up there except chimps of 


51 


The Virgin of Guadalupe 

cactus. The ground is so hard and dry that 
not even a blade of grass can grow.’ 

“As she disappeared from sight, she waved 
her hand toward the top of the mountain. 

“When Juan reached home, he found his 
uncle at work. The family said that at a cer¬ 
tain hour, corresponding to the time when the 
Virgin appeared to Juan, the pains left his 
uncle, and he arose perfectly well. 

“The next morning at daybreak, Juan was 
on the top of the mountain; and there, grow¬ 
ing on a large bush, were the most beautiful 
roses he had ever seen. He filled his tilma, 
and started down the hill; and at the bot¬ 
tom, where they had been standing the day 
before, a clear, cold spring of pure water 
gushed out. He stooped down and drank; 
and when he arose, there stood the Virgin 
at his side. 

“ ‘Take the roses directly to the bishop, 
Juan Diego. Be sure to let no one see or 
touch them.’ 

“Two tiny angels appeared, and each held 
an end of his tilma with one hand, while car¬ 
rying in the other hand a lighted torch. Sweet 
music filled the air. 

“When they arrived at the door, the porter 
demanded, ‘What have you in your tilmaV 


52 With John Brun in Old Meccico 

“‘The proof,’ said Juan mysteriously. 

“ ‘Let me see it.’ 

“‘No, no! Not a soul but the bishop can 
see it.’ 

“The porter caught the tilma, and in the 
struggle, it was torn open, when a handful 
of ashes fell out; but on the rough cloth was 
an exquisite painting of the Virgin sur¬ 
rounded by a wreath of roses. She was 
dressed in a magnificent robe of blue velvet, 
ornamented with stars of gold. 

“The bishop believed, and he ordered the 
church built. All the Indians of the country 
brought of their scanty earnings, and a large, 
costly church was erected, with an altar rail¬ 
ing of pure silver. It is said to be one of the 
finest buildings in the world. On the walls 
are hung pictures of parts of the human 
body, put there by those who have been cured 
by praying at the shrine. 

“On top of the hill, where the roses grew, 
is a beautiful little chapel, surrounded by a 
cemetery. The tombs are decorated with 
costly ornaments, and the grounds are hand¬ 
somely laid out. To be buried there is con¬ 
sidered by the wealthy people as a great 
honor. The precious painting is carefully 
guarded from profane eyes, but is shown to 
tourists — for a consideration — by the priest 


53 


The Virgin of Guadalupe 

in charge. Outside are little stalls where 
trinkets of all kinds are kept for sale. 
Rosaries, and little images of hands, feet, and 
other parts of the body, are found there. The 
holy spring, or well, is inclosed in a mosque¬ 
like inner building. 

“The twelfth of December is the anniver¬ 
sary of the Virgin’s appearance; and on that 
day, the church and the village are thronged 
with pilgrims from all parts of the republic. 
There are excursions on all the railroads at 
this time. The day is the saint day of all 
those named Guadalupe, and they are very 
numerous.” 



In Old Mexico 



THE HIDDEN BOOKS AND THE 
ANGRY PRIEST 


OUNG Brim seemed buried in thought 
for a moment. “Very interesting, in¬ 
deed! But do you believe it?” 

“Why, no!” his aunt replied. “I was 
simply telling it to you as a legend. The 
people here believe these stories, because they 
are not allowed access to God’s Word, and 
therefore they do not discern the truth. 

“Tell me, John,” said she with sudden 
eagerness, “do you hold to the faith of your 
Grandfather Turner?” 

“Yes, ‘the faith of our fathers’—the faith 
of my father and mother, also. I thought, 
until I had been here a few days, that it was 
your faith, too.” 

“It was, once; but since we came to Mexico 
— well, we have grown careless, I fear. 
Since you have been here, though, and I have 
seen you so diligent in your study of the 
Bible, my heart has ached in thinking of our 
carelessness. At first, we kept the Sabbath 
and had our family worship; but it is difficult 
to be a Christian and try to get rich at the 
same time, you know.” 

“Yes, I suppose it is, Aunt Elsie,” said 
John gently. 






Hidden Books and Angry Priest 55 

“Oh, I know! My mind is made up. I 
shall ask forgiveness for my neglect and self¬ 
ishness. I shall rely upon His mercy. God 
helping me, I shall do His will henceforth.” 

There was determination in her voice, that 
was very evident to young Brun; and a new, 
happy light was in her eyes. “I have been 
praying for you and Uncle John and Thelma 
and Teresa,” was all he could say. 

“Oh, we have felt it! And my children! 
We have wronged them!” 

Teresa and Thelma were astonished at the 
turn the conversation had taken. “Why, 
mother, how can you say that?” cried Thelma. 
“You and father have always been so good 
to us!” 

“Yes; but I have been wondering lately 
what I shall answer in the day of judgment 
when the Father asks about my children. I 
have not been careful to surround you with 
right influences. The world has engrossed 
our time, strength, and thought.” 

John slipped away quietly to his room. He 
felt they should be alone, and he wanted to 
hunt up something encouraging that he had 
read that very morning. 

Presently Teresa came to his door, calling 
softly: “Come and join our family circle. 
We did not intend to frighten you away.” 


56 


With John Brun in Old Mexico 


“Not frightened at all! I have found what 
I was searching for.” 

“So have we, and we are very happy 
about it.” 

“This is what helped me as I have prayed. 
I discovered it as a clipping in this old Bible 
that mother gave me: ‘The great, grand work 
of bringing out a people who will have Christ- 
like characters, and who will be able to stand 
in the day of the Lord, is to be accomplished.’ 
I put my faith on that word ‘is,’ and knew 
that in His good time, you would all desire 
more Christlike characters.” 

The next afternoon, Mr. Turner’s carriage, 
containing him, his wife, and the three young 
people, was on its way to Guadalupe. The 
sun shone bright; a cool, invigorating breeze 
blew over them; the lake glistened in the dis¬ 
tance; while far above, like silent sentinels 
guarding the beautiful valley, towered the 
snow-capped peaks of old “Popo” and the 
White Woman. 

The road was lined with carriages. There 
were clumsy two-wheeled oxcarts, horses, 
burros, and crowds of people on foot, all 
going to, or returning from, the shrine of the 
Virgin, as this was believed to be the anni¬ 
versary of the day of her appearance to the 



A Mexican Holiday Crowd 


( 57 ) 










58 With John Brun in Old Mexico 

Indian and her command that a church be 
built on the spot. 

There was a small village at the foot of the 
hill, through which they proceeded on foot. 
Leaving the carriage in charge of the cochero , 
they climbed the steep path leading to the 
church. Brun was more interested in the 
people than in the building, with its decora¬ 
tions of gold and silver, and its painting of 
the Virgin, with the costly garments and 
jewels that adorned it. 

He saw the Indians from the mountains, 
each tribe with its distinctive dress; the peons 
dressed in their best — wide trousers and 
blouses of coarse muslin, dazzlingly white; 
sashes of gay colors; tall hats; sandals; and 
striped blankets with a slit in the center for 
the head. This blanket is the peon’s insep¬ 
arable companion — overcoat by day, blanket 
by night, and cushion upon which to kneel on 
the cold stone floor of the church during the 
service. 

“Just look at that Indian! He has taken 
off his hat, his tall sombrero, so carefully, 
bending his head low; and now see what he 
is taking from it,” John pointed out. 

“First his cigarettes, you can be sure,” 
whispered Thelma. “The hat is where they 
carry their treasures.” 


Hidden Books and Angry Priest 59 

Next came a handkerchief with a few coins 
tied up in the corner. And last, he took out 
a small picture of the Virgin. He placed his 
hat upon the ground, and kneeling on the 
thick padded brim, began his devotions. 
There were finely dressed ladies and gentle¬ 
men who mingled with the throng of kneeling 
worshipers. 

Finding it impossible to gain an entrance 
into the church, which was insufferably hot 
from the innumerable candles, the smoke of 
the incense, and the crowd, Mr. Turner, with 
his family and his nephew, passed around to 
one side; and there, near an entrance, was 
Mr. Black, selling Testaments and Bibles and 
Gospels to the interested throng as fast as he 
could hand them out. Brim could not under¬ 
stand the conversation about him, but the rest 
were enjoying the comments upon the books. 

“Ah, you have a book! Read to me,” said 
one old woman to a young girl. 

“Not here, madre; the padre does not like 
these books, and says that we must not read 
them.” 

“Then why have you one of them? Why 
can you not obey our good padre?” 

“Because I hear that this book is a holy 
one and tells of the Saviour of the world; so 
I want to read it. Many of my friends have 


60 With John Brun in Old Meocico 

bought them, though they are hiding them 
until they are away from the eyes of the 
padre. Do not say anything, and when we 
reach home, I will read it to you.” 

Mr. Turner entered into conversation with 
a fine-looking old man who said that he was 
the judge of a small town near the coast. 

“You have come a long way on your pil¬ 
grimage,” remarked Mr. Turner. 

“Are you a friend of the man selling the 
books?”- the stranger asked. 

Mr. Turner hardly knew what would be 
the best to answer. What would help the 
cause the most? While he hesitated, the 
Mexican said: “I believe that we are inter¬ 
ested in the same great truth — that Jesus is 
the Saviour of the world and is soon coming 
again. Is that true?” 

“Yes,” answered John’s uncle. “I know 
that is the truth.” 

“Then I can tell you why I am here. Not 
on a pilgrimage to the shrine yonder. No, 
indeed! I came hoping to see good Mr. 
Black again. I heard that he always attended 
the different fiestas in order to meet the 
people and sell them the Word of God. I 
want a Bible. I did not know where to get 
one except from him, so I came here.” 


Hidden Books and Angry Priest 61 

“Are you not afraid of your priest? You 
are not allowed the Bible, are you?” 

“No; but in a little book which my brother 
bought of Mr. Black about three years ago, 
I read — and I remember the statement 
perfectly—that £ God looks with pitying 
tenderness upon the souls educated as they 
are in a faith that is delusive and unsatisfy¬ 
ing. He will cause rays of light to penetrate 
the dense darkness that surrounds them. He 
will reveal to them the truth as it is in Jesus.’ 
That is what I am seeking after — truth. I 
am afraid of the priest, yes, for my friend. 
When I saw the young man here, I wanted 
to rush up to him and embrace him; but I 
know these people. That would have drawn 
attention to the good missionary, and. no 
doubt would have brought persecution upon 
him; so I am waiting until I can speak with 
him in private. 

“My brother was postmaster of our little 
town. He bought several books when Mr. 
Black was selling them there. We read them 
— my brother’s family and my family. My 
brother grew to love to study the Word. He 
was warned by the priest that he must not 
possess a Bible, that he was not wise enough 
to understand it. He was sitting one day in 
the broad corridor of his home, reading the 


62 


With John Bran in Old Mexico 


Book, when a shadow fell across him, and 
there stood the long-robed priest. 

“‘What! Are you reading that book in 
disregard of my wishes?’ he shouted, and he 
snatched the precious volume from my 
brother’s hand and threw it far across the 
corridor. Leaves flew in every direction. 
My brother, who was an old white-haired 
man, with flowing white beard, slowly arose 
and gathered up his Bible, replacing the 
leaves. He advanced toward the priest, hold¬ 
ing the Book in both hands, and said, ‘Yes, 
I have read it, and will read it.’” 

Mr. Turner gasped, “How did he dare?” 

The Mexican shook his head sadly. “The 
priest was so stunned and astonished that he 
turned and walked away. My brother died 
suddenly a few weeks later. His daughter, 
who continued to study the books, also met 
a mysterious death. The torn-up Bible is all 
that I have, and I want a new one.” 

“You certainly deserve one, too. Let me 
help you. Go down to the village at the foot 
of the hill, and you will find my carriage in 
charge of the cochero. Wait there, and I will 
send your missionary friend to you. Then no 
attention will be drawn to you or to Mr. 
Black. You can trust my cochero; he is a 
Christian, too.” 



On the spot where this man stands, fifty copies of the book “Christ 
Our Saviour” were burned by a priest. 

( 63 ) 





64 


With John llrun in Old Mexico 


Taking the card that was offered him, the 
old gentleman was profuse in his thanks. It 
was some time before Mr. Turner could catch 
the eye of the bookseller. Then he quietly 
motioned to him, and handed him a note, 
which read, “One of your converts from the 
coast is waiting for you in my carriage.” 

Mr. Black well knew why such caution was 
necessary, for he had many times been driven 
from a place for less cause than talking with 
one of his own countrymen. The carriage 
was a"closed one, and the old Mexican brother 
and the faithful missionary had a good talk 
together undisturbed. 

“The priests are much stirred in our part 
of the country over the literature you have 
sold, and we are all forbidden to possess it.” 

“Why?” asked the missionary, although he 
thought that he knew. 

“As the ones who bought books have read 
them, they have ceased going to confession; 
and as one after another failed to go, it 
caused the priest to inquire into the matter. 
He found that the people were confessing 
their sins to the dear Saviour, and asking 
forgiveness of Him. The church claims the 
right to pardon, you know. She also claims 
that ‘she never erred and never can err;’ but 
since my dear brother’s death, followed so soon 


Hidden Hooks and A ngry Priest Go 

by his daughter’s death, I know full well that 
there is an error in such doctrine, which im¬ 
plies that all she has done in her persecution 
of those who reject here dogmas, is right.” 

“Is it safe for you to continue to live 
there?” questioned Mr. Black. 

“No, it is not safe. Nothing, however, 
would be gained by running away; so I am 
going to stay right there and study the Word 
of God, and try to tell all that I can about 
the soon-coming Saviour.” 

“My wife’s sister has a little school in 
Tampico Alto. Have you heard of her?” 

“Oh, is the Senora Mack of your family?” 
inquired the old gentleman. 

“Yes, indeed! Her husband died there. 
It was very sad.” 

“He was bitten by a poisonous snake, was 
he not?” 

“Yes.” 

“I have come in contact with the senora in 
a business way. She has built a little school 
on her place and teaches children. The 
priests are opj)osing her work, but she has 
her school full. Does she also believe in the 
blessed religion of a soon-coming Saviour?” 

Mr. Black’s eyes filled with tears as he 
thought of his bereaved sister so faithfully 
trying to carry on the work her husband had 


5 


66 With John Brun in Old Mexico 

planned to do. How lonely it must be for 
her and the three little children! 

“Oh, yes! That is the only reason why she 
is there. She wants to live her life for Christ. 
You know that He went about doing good. 
Some of the home folks tried to get her to 
return to the United States when her hus¬ 
band died; hut she said, no, she must stay 
with these people, and try to lead them into 
the path of life everlasting.” 

“I am so thankful! Perhaps she will help 
me to know more of that life.” 

“Yes; and you can do much to help her, 
too. 1 have felt uneasy about her living 
there alone.” 

The old gentleman took his departure with 
his new Bible and also several other books 
that he had secreted in his clothing. Mr. 
Black climbed the hill to the church, and went 
on selling his books to the throng of people 
who crowded around. 


NEW ADVENTURES AHEAD 


DON a priest came around the corner, 
and walking into the crowd, snatched 
a book from one who had just bought 
it. He looked at it quickly, then turned to 
the people and ordered those who had bought 
them to bring them to him. Some did so, but 
others had already hidden theirs. 

The priest told them that they must not 
touch those books, and that they must drive 
the foreigner from the place. In a minute, 
the cry arose, “Kill the gringo!” and stones 
were flying. But the object of all this tumult 
understood the signs, and had disappeared 
around the corner. 

“I doubt if we ever see our friend again,” 
said John. “But can’t we do something to 
help him?” 

“I always feared they would kill him, and 
now they have done so, I am sure,” sobbed 
Teresa. 

“All we can do now is to get out of here 
as soon as possible, and so quietly as not to 
excite these people more. When the ladies 
are safely in the carriage, I shall return and 
hunt for Black,” said Mr. Turner. 

As the party reached the other side of the 
large building, there they found Mr. Black 

(67) 





68 With John Brun in Old Mexico 

busily selling to people passing in and out 
at the door. He saw his friends, and made 
a sign of greeting; and they stood, greatly 
relieved, until he came to them. 

“Well, I have sold out, and now I am 
going home,” he declared. 

“We are ready to go; will you not ride 
with us?” answered Mr. Turner; and the 
party walked down to the carriage. 

On the way, Mr. Black told of his experi¬ 
ences, and spoke feelingly of how anxious he 
was to get off on his trip; “for,” he said, “I 
expect my wife from the States before long, 
and I want to be here to meet her when she 
arrives. She will like it here, I am sure.” 
Turning to young Brun, he said: “Don’t you 
like it? I believe that your health is much 
better. You look much stronger.” 

“Oh, yes, sir, I am very much better!” 

For a moment, nothing was said; then Mr. 
Black asked Brun: “How would you like to 
take the trip with me? It would cure you, 
and you would get an experience that would 
be valuable to you.” 

“I!” gasped John. “Why, Mr. Black—” 
It was hardly necessary to say more; the 
eagerness of his voice and manner was enough. 

Just then the carriage rolled through the 
broad doorway into the patio, and they 


New Adventures Ahead 69 

alighted. Mr. Turner took the arm of the 
missionary, and led him into his private room. 
“My friend, what do you mean? Are you 
in earnest?” 

“Certainly I am. It would be an excellent 
thing for him, to travel on mule back, camp 
in the open air, and eat plain but wholesome 
food.” 

, “But what a care he would be to you!” 
objected Mr. Turner. 

“Care! His company would more than 
compensate me for that; and really I could 
make him useful. He is a bright lad, and so 
interested in this work, that I should enjoy 
having him along. I could also teach him to 
speak Spanish.” 

“He is learning that very fast with the 
girls. But will there not be danger? You 
know I am responsible for him to his parents.” 

“No, I do not think there will be any great 
personal danger where we are going.” 

“Very well, then; if the boy wants to go, I 
have no further objections. I trust you 
implicitly.” 

Mr. Black stepped to the door. “John, 
come here.” The boy promptly appeared. 
“My boy, are you willing to bear hardships 
as a good soldier in the cause of Christ in 
helping to carry the blessed word of life to 


70 With John Brun in Old Mexico 

these poor ignorant people? We shall travel 
on mules, camp wherever night overtakes us, 
do our own cooking, or eat in the little open- 
air inns when we are in the towns.” 

“Surely!” replied John eagerly. “I know 
what you mean, and I should like so much 
to go!” 

“Wait till we get back, and we shall see 
how you feel,” Mr. Black laughingly an¬ 
swered; but he put his hand on young Brun’s 
shoulder, saying, “I have confidence in you, 
John.” Then, after a moment, “Can you be 
ready to start Monday?” 

“I will see to that,” said his uncle. “I 
have roughed it enough prospecting and min¬ 
ing to know what is needed.” 

“Well, that’s settled,” said Mr. Black; “we 
will start early Monday morning. Good-by 
until then. I will have the mules ready.” 


THE RESCUE FROM DROWNING 


LL was excitement for the next few 
days. Monday morning, the little cav¬ 
alcade, with Mr. Black and young Brun 
in the forefront, rode out of the city. They 
had two pack mules, driven by a Mexican 
boy. The mules were so covered with books, 
bedding, clothing, food, and cooking utensils, 
John declared that nothing but the huge ears 
and the four hoofs could be seen. 

“By the way,” questioned John presently, 
“where are we going? I have been too ex¬ 
cited to think about the direction.” 

“Well, our first stop will be at Guadala¬ 
jara, and from there I can not tell whether 
we will go south or west.” 

The trip occupied two weeks, every hour 
of which was a delight to Brun. As they 
rode through the mountains, they stopped to 
talk to laborers, travelers, or crowds in the 
villages through which they passed, selling or 
giving away books until they had not one 
left. When they were crossing the last range 
of mountains, Mr. Black pointed to a stately 
city, its tall towers and white walls gleaming 
through green trees—“Guadalajara, the pearl 
of the Occident.” 



( 71 ) 



72 With John Brim in Old Mexico 

It was New Year’s Day. The bright sun¬ 
shine, the balmy air, the deep blue of the sky 
and the vivid green of the grass, the rocky, 
bare peaks of the near-by mountains, and the 
purple of the far-off ranges,— all made a 
strong impression on the mind of the boy. 
He sprang from his mule, ran up to the top 
of a small peak near them, and waved his 
hat enthusiastically. As he stood thus, Mr. 
Black thought, “His mother would hardly 
know him could she see him now.” His for¬ 
merly pale, thin face was plump and brown, 
and the languid walk had changed to a 
brisk run. 

“Come on, John!” called Mr. Black. “If 
we are to eat that New Year’s dinner with 
good Sister Clark, we must be getting on.” 

“I am surely ready for it,” laughed Brun, 
“although I fear that the poor woman will 
think a tornado has struck her table.” 

They received a royal welcome at the house 
of the presiding elder, and the dinner did not 
disappoint their expectations. 

A missionary convention was in progress, 
at which it was decided that Mr. Black should 
go west, and another worker should take the 
southern field. With a fresh load of books, 
they left the new friends, and prepared to go 
into an unknown field, where no Bible col- 


73 


The Rescue from Drowning 

porteur had ever been. Their first stop was 
at Etzatlan, a quaint old town on the shores 
of Lake Magdalena. There they stayed sev¬ 
eral days, and found some people interested 
enough to read, and to listen while Mr. Black 
explained the Scriptures; and to John’s great 
delight, he discovered that he could under¬ 
stand much of what was said, and could talk 
with the driver. From there they went across 
the mountains two days’ ride to Iztlan, an 
old Aztec town in a narrow valley, with a 
volcano towering above it. The lava lay 
thick over the sides, and the road ran for 
miles in a cut through the solid lava, which 
was piled high on either side. Fields of 
sugar cane stretched across the valley, and 
the white walls and towers of the factories 
were seen through the trees. 

“This is a perfect little paradise,” said 
John. “The people living in this secluded 
valley must be better than in the crowded 
cities.” 

“Yes, in some respects; but they are more 
superstitious. Do you see that crowd below? 
Suppose we catch up with them!” 

They hurried down into the road, and trav¬ 
eled for a while among the motley crowd of 
men, women, and children on horses or mules 
or afoot. The women were carrying their 


74 With John Brim in Old Mexico 

babies. All were tired, dusty; and ragged. 
Mr. Black accosted some of the men. 
“Where are you going?” 

“Home,” said one of the most intelligent- 
looking. “We have been on a pilgrimage to 
the shrine of the Virgin many leagues from 
here.” 

“Why do you go there?” 

“O senor, do you not know that the Virgin 
performs many miracles for those who wor¬ 
ship at her shrine? The more sufferings we 
undergo in making the pilgrimage, the more 
blessings we receive. I have gained pardon 
for all my last year’s sins, and for all I may 
commit this year. I am very happy. Oh, 
the Virgin is so kind! Not long ago my little 
girl was very sick. I vowed to the Virgin 
that if she would heal my child, we would 
make a pilgrimage and burn ten candles on 
the altar; and see her now!” pointing to a 
pale, slender child trudging along, looking 
half-starved and very tired. Mr. Black saw 
that it would be useless to offer anything for 
sale to this company, for they had no money 
to buy even bread, but were begging their 
way home; so he stopped a little while with 
them as they camped for the night, and told 
them of Jesus, who died to save them, and 
who said, “Come unto Me, all ye that labor 


75 


The Rescue frovi Drowning 

and are heavy-laden, and I will give you 
rest/’ He gave those who could read, Gos¬ 
pels and tracts. Then the colporteurs went 
on their way, followed by the blessings of 
the pilgrims. 

Brun was very thoughtful as they rode 
along; and just as they entered the town, he 
said, “Mother often quotes, ‘Every cloud has 
a silver lining,’ but I could see none in my 
illness until lately. Perhaps the all-wise 
Father saw that my ambitious plans were not 
the best for me, and had to send this sick¬ 
ness to wean me from them. I look upon 
life very differently now.” 

“True!” answered the missionary, thought¬ 
fully. “The Father knows best, and we can 
always trust Him to care for us. You re¬ 
member He says, ‘Casting all your care upon 
Him; for He careth for you.’” 

Some days later they rode into the town 
of Tepic, and John was sure that this sur¬ 
passed all the places he had yet seen. The 
streets were very clean; and from the open 
doors of the houses, he caught glimpses of 
patios filled with trees and beautiful flowers. 
Here they found a few faithful Christians, the 
result of work done the previous year. The 
missionaries were warmly welcomed. They 
were to remain here some time, so John 


76 With John Brun in Old Mexico 

explored the place, usually accompanied by 
Pancho, the boy whom Mr. Black had brought 
along to look after the mules. 

One day, he had wandered down by the 
river alone; and as he was sitting on the 
bank, thinking of home and the dear ones 
there, he heard shrill screams near. Running 
to the spot, he saw a child struggling in the 
water, and the nurse screaming on the bank. 
John was an expert swimmer, and in an 
instant was in the water. Soon he caught 
the child, and made the bank farther down. 
He was met by the frantic nurse, and by a 
boy of about his own age, who had come 
running down the street. The boy almost 
grabbed the child to his arms and ran with it. 
Brun followed more slowly, and saw him 
enter a large house not far away. Feeling 
that there was nothing more he could do, he 
went on home and changed his wet clothing. 

Some hours after, Pancho came in and 
asked for Juanito (John). Close behind fol¬ 
lowed the boy whom Brun had met on the 
river bank, who rushed to him, embraced him, 
and poured forth a torrent of words which he 
could not understand; but Mr. Black, coming 
in at that moment, translated for him. The 
boy said his name was Carlos Moreno, that it 
was his little sister John had saved, and that 


77 


The Rescue from Dr owning 

his family wished the rescuer to go to their 
house. The mother was sick, and could not 
come to him. Mr. Black urged John to go. 
He said: “We have never been able to get 
any of the better class of people interested, 
and perhaps this is our opportunity. Their 
gratitude may lead them to listen to the 
gospel.” 

So John went with Carlos to his luxurious 
home, where the mother, a beautiful, refined 
lady, received him very cordially, and the little 
girl of two years became his friend at once. 

Don Ramon Moreno, the father, was away 
from home on business; and when he re¬ 
turned, he found Brun a familiar friend of 
the entire family, particularly of little Anita. 

The two boys were much together. John 
was at Don Ramon’s hospitable home very 
often; and he was learning to understand and 
speak Spanish better each day. These new 
friends helped him greatly. 

One day, the boys were lying on the grass 
in the shade, when Brun took the little Gospel 
of John from his pocket, and was reading. 
Carlos noticed the book, and asked, “What 
are you reading?” 

“Shall I read some to you?” John asked. 

“Yes, if you wish;” and he began at the 
fourteenth chapter. Carlos listened atten- 


78 With John Britn in Old Mexico 

tively until John read, “My peace I give 
unto you,” when he interrupted: 

“That is what I want; I have been seeking 
peace for a long time. The padre says if I 
confess my sins to him, and do penance, and 
say my prayers, and attend mass regularly, I 
will have peace; but it does not come. I went 
on a pilgrimage to the shrine of the Virgin 
not long ago, and burned many candles; still 
something is lacking. When I saw little 
Anita fall into the water the other day, I felt 
that the blessed mother was punishing me; 
and as I ran, I vowed to make an offering to 
her if she would allow me to save the child. 
But I could not have saved her. If you had 
not been there, my dear little sister would 
have been drowned. What made you risk 
your life to save a strange child?” 

John replied: “The good Book says, ‘In¬ 
asmuch as ye have done it unto one of the 
least of these My brethren, ye have done it 
unto Me.’ Jesus says, ‘Come unto Me, all 
ye that labor and are heavy-laden, and I will 
give you rest.’ Neither the Virgin nor the 
saints can help 11 s; for there is only one name 
whereby we may be saved, and that is Jesus.” 

“But how can I learn about Him? We 
have not books as you have.” 


79 


The Rescue from Drowning 

AVith a prayer in his heart for guidance, 
John handed him his Gospel. “Carlos, will 
you read this little book? It is the Word of 
God, and will teach you the truth.” 

“Yes; but how can we simple people un¬ 
derstand it?” 

“Read it, friend, and see if you have any 
difficulty in understanding it,” advised Brun 
as he rose to go. “AA r e leave to-morrow for 
Santiago.” 

“O Juanito, I am so sorry! AA r hen will 
you be back here?” 

“I do not know — not for some weeks.” 

“I wish I could go with you.” 

“I can only second your wish. What a 
fine time we would have!” 

“But that is impossible,” sighed Carlos. 
“School begins next 'week, and I must study 
hard, for I wish to enter college next year. 
I am to study law, you know.” 

As the two said good-by the next morning, 
John handed Carlos a package; and when the 
boy opened it in his room, he found a small 
New Testament, in which had been written 
his name, and the verse, “Search the Scrip¬ 
tures, for in them ye think ye have eternal 
life: and they are they which testify of Me.” 


SURROUNDED BY BANDITS 


>«|R. BLACK and Brim rode out of Tepic 
and down the long slope that leads into 
the vallejr of the Santiago River. The 
view was magnificent. The tall mountains, 
with their tops touched by the first rays of 
the rising sun, and their sides covered with a 
profusion of growth all strange to the boy; 
the beautiful valley to the north, and beyond, 
the placid waters of the broad Pacific glitter¬ 
ing in the morning sunshine,— all helped to 
make the view specially attractive. The road 
was lined with a succession of burro trains 
carrying almost every conceivable article of 
commerce, both into town and to San Bias, 
the port at the mouth of the river. Mr. 
Black always had a friendly word for the 
drivers, and often camped with them at night, 
eating their tortillas and frijoles, and sleep¬ 
ing side by side with them 
around the fire. 

As they were lying thus 
one night, John suddenly 
laughed aloud. “What 
would my friends say if they 
could see me now? They 
think all these people are 
thieves and murderers, and 
( 80 ) 



Making Tortillas 



81 


Surrounded by Bandits 

would fully expect us to wake up in the 
morning with our possessions all gone, even 
if nothing more serious had taken place.” 

“Well, you are not afraid, are you?” said 
Mr. Black. 

“No! But look at that fierce-looking fel¬ 
low over there. Well, he has been talking to 
me all the evening about his children at home; 
and when I read to him of the love of Jesus, 
the big tears stood in his eyes. But I did 
think we should have some adventures.” 

“Wait, my boy. We are not out of the 
woods yet,” advised Mr. Black; “but I must 
say that 1 never have had such a trip as this 
before. The Lord seems to be going before 
us preparing the way. You know we have 
disposed of everything we brought, and I 
had to get a new supply in Tepie. It had 
been ordered to be ready for us there, and I 
have another waiting for' us in Mazatlan. 
The interest in Tepic was good; and when 
we come back, Brother Clark will meet us 
and organize a church.” 

“Are there any believers in the town of 
Santiago?” 

“Yes, some very earnest Christians. One, 
Dr. Martinez, whose family disinherited him, 
has had to bear poverty, persecution, and 
slights. But he is very firm. He and his 


6 


82 ' With John Brim in Old Mexico 

good wife have been light-bearers for several 
years. Their teaching and influence have 
been blessed, and we have a little company 
there, and they ardently love the truth.” 

The next day, Mr. Black and John rode 
into the little town nestled among banana 
and orange groves, and bright with tropical 
flowers. The tall, rustling coco palms tow¬ 
ered above all the other trees, and the valley 
was green with sugar cane and pineapple 
fields. The ripe red coffee berries among the 
dark green foliage of the coffee trees were a 
sight of surpassing beauty. Although it was 
the dry season, the valley was irrigated from 
the river, and the desert blossomed as the rose. 

They were warmly welcomed by the good 
doctor, and he sent out messengers to call the 
believers together for a meeting. Mr. Black 
was agreeably surprised, at the time of the 
service, to find so many gathered together; 
and the meeting was one long to be remem¬ 
bered, by some at least, for the deep spiritual 
feeling manifested. The missionaries could 
remain only a short time; then they again 
mounted their mules and set off to the north. 
They were warned that the bandit Manuel 
Rosalino was around in the mountains. He 
had robbed a stage a few nights before, and 
Mr. Black’s friends advised him to ask for a 


83 


Surrounded by Bandits 

police escort to Mazatlan. Mr. Black said: 
“No; they that are with us are more power¬ 
ful than all the bandits, and if we trust in 
God, He will protect us. We have nothing 
that they want — merely enough money to 
pay our expenses to Mazatlan.” So, after 
asking the protection of the heavenly Father, 
they rode off on their lonely and perhaps 
perilous journey. 

Their road lay over wild, rocky mountains, 
and through smiling valleys inhabited by 
quiet, inoffensive farmers, who raised barely 
enough to support life, and seldom had any 
money. These people said: “What is the 
use of having anything? Don Manuel would 
take it away if we did. We have to give him 
and his men food; but from the rich, he takes 
cattle, money, and whatever they have.” 

“Where do you suppose he is now?” 

An expressive shrug, and “Quien sabeV’ 
(Who knows?) was all the answer they 
ventured. 

One night at dark, the two travelers 
camped near the road, in a rocky canon 
through which a little mountain stream ran. 
There was plenty of green grass for the 
mules, and so they were all enjoying the cool 
air and the rest, when the stagecoach passed, 
escorted by a band of mounted police. Mr. 


84 With John Brun in Old Mexico 

Black, who was a good cook, prepared the 
supper, and he and John did full justice to 
it, a smooth rock serving as a table. 

Suddenly a picturesque-looking man ap¬ 
peared from behind a large tree. “Good eve¬ 
ning, gentlemen!” with his politest bow. 
“Would the noble gentlemen be so kind as 
to give a starving man a few bites to eat?” 
He did not look as if in immediate danger of 
death from starvation; but Mr. Black good- 
naturedly invited him to seat himself, and 
helped him to food and drink. 

During the meal, he plied them with ques¬ 
tions, which they answered frankly. Rising 
from the table with profuse thanks, he picked 
up the shotgun, the only weapon in cqjnp, 
and examined it carefully. Suddenly he lev¬ 
eled it at Mr. Black’s head, shouting, “Give 
me all the money you have!” At the same 
time, a dozen men sprang out into view, and 
the colporteurs realized that they were cap¬ 
tured by the bandits. Don Manuel himself 
came forward, and politely requested the 
pleasure of their company, and begged per¬ 
mission to search their luggage—all with the 
air of a king conferring a great favor on his 
subjects. 

Young Brun controlled an impulse to run 
for the woods, looked at Mr. Black’s calm 


85 


Surrounded by Bandits 

face, then took courage. That gentleman 
politely handed over the contents of his 
pocket, apologizing for having so little, and 
explaining that he was only a poor mission¬ 
ary, who had given away so many books that 
he had not made anything on the trip. He 
opened 'the packages, and invited the men to 
examine the contents. 

Soon they were sitting around, each with a 
book, reading or looking at the pictures, those 
who could not read listening to the more for¬ 
tunate ones. Don Manuel found a hymn 
book, and was much interested in it. He 
asked if Mr. Black could sing, and receiving 
an answer in the affirmative, requested him 
to do so. 

The men sat as if spellbound, listening to 
song after song. “What a Friend We Have 
in Jesus,” “Pass Me Not, O Gentle Saviour,” 
and “Near the Cross,” were followed by 
“The Gate Ajar.” 

It was a strange sight, and one that John 
never forgot — the rugged mountains tower¬ 
ing above them, the trees casting fantastic 
shadows in the light of the flickering fire, the 
oddly dressed, fierce-looking men, all heavily 
armed, sitting around on the grass or on 
rocks, listening attentively to the sweet old 
tunes, with the words in the musical Span- 


86 With John Brim in Old Meocico 

ish. After Mr. Black had ceased singing, he 
took his Bible and read to them for some 
time; then, kneeling among them, he prayed 
for them. 

When he arose from his knees, Don 
Manuel, with softened expression, asked the 
price of a Bible he held in his hand,* and he 
and each of his men bought something. 
Then, returning the money taken, they 
quietly took their departure, with many ex¬ 
pressions of regret for the trouble they had 
caused, and thanks for the Bibles. 11 

Brun looked at his brave companion, who 
was calmly repacking his books. “Talk about 
heroism!” he burst out. “Why, Mr. Black, 
my knees gave way upon the appearance of 
that horde, and I believe that I should have 
run if I had not been so weak. A glimpse 
of your face reassured me; and then when 
you sang, read, and prayed, I could but mar¬ 
vel in silence. I expected every moment to 
see you shot down by one of those brigands, 
or thrust through with one of their long 
machetes. How did you manage to keep 
so calm?” 

“Of course, my boy, there was danger; but 
what good is our faith if it fails in a time of 
need? I had heard so many accounts of the 
cruelty of Don Manuel, that I knew he 


87 


Surrounded by Bandits 

would not spare us in the least degree unless 
God touched his heart. I do not always es¬ 
cape in this manner. Several times, I have 
been lashed to a tree and beaten until left for 
dead. If I am called to work for the Lord, 
He will care for me; and He has given me 
abundant evidence that I am called to this 
work, for He always spares me, with more 
or less suffering, as is good for me, I know. 
We should pray, like Elisha of old, that our 
eyes may be opened to see the host about us. 
And now, good night; for we must not be 
late in starting in the morning.” 

They reached Mazatlan without further 
adventures, and were warmly welcomed by 
the little band of believers there. This is a 
beautiful city, and in the winter, the climate 
is perfect. John enjoyed the sea bathing, 
and rambling on the beach with Pancho and 
some of the boys, with whom he began to feel 
much at home. 

On his arrival, he found letters awaiting 
him from home, saying that all rejoiced in 
his improved health, and some of his boy 
friends envied him the privilege of traveling 
in a foreign land. 


TROLLEY 


ISTEN to my news!” exclaimed Mr. 
Black, as he sat reading his mail. “My 
wife has returned from the States to 
Mexico City. She did not receive my last 
letter saying that I was going to the west 
coast. This is the part of the letter that will 
interest you: ‘Elder Caviness welcomed me 
gladly. He says it was fortunate that I did 
not receive your letter, for they need help so 
much in the office of our Spanish paper. I 
shall work translating until your return. At 
church Sabbath, whom should I meet but 
Mrs. Turner and Thelma and Teresa. She 
was so cordial! She said that she and the 
girls had decided to take their stand for the 
truth and work to hasten the Master’s coming. 
Isn’t that good news? They are such fine 
people, and well able to meet the educated 
classes with their knowledge of Spanish and 
the customs of the land. She said that they 
had been Sabbath keepers once (I didn’t 
know that; did you?) but had allowed the 
desire for riches and influence to lead them 
away from the blessed truth. I asked her, 
“What aroused you to accept again the Sav¬ 
iour’s promises?” and she replied, “A lad 
who is now with your husband — by his con¬ 
sistent life.” ’ ” 



( 88 ) 



Trolley 


89 



Elder G. W. Caviness, Pioneer in Our Publishing Work in Mexico 

John’s face beamed with joy. He hardly 
knew what to say. 

They remained in Mazatlan for two weeks. 
Young Brun was not able to help much in 
selling the books and papers, but how he did 
enjoy the work! 




90 With John Brun in Old Meooico 


“This makes me wish that I were a dozen 
persons,” he said one evening, when, tired out 
from the toil of the day, they were sorting 
their literature for the next day’s work. “We 
must have a carpenter to start the work on 
our new little chapel; we need a pastor; we 
need a teacher for these bright little children. 
Do you know, there is one thing I* notice 
about these little Mexican children, that is 
rare in our own land?” 

“What is that?” 

“They are taught reverence for religion, 
and obedience to their parents. I should like 
the privilege of teaching them.” 

“When you return to your home, perhaps 
you can work for the Lord by interesting 
others to come here and help in this needy 
field,” answered Mr. Black. 

John’s face looked sad. “Well, I have 
been so wrapped up in working here, that I 
almost forgot I must go back to the home¬ 
land and finish my education. I am sure, 
with so much to be done, I shall waste no 
time about getting to Mexico again,” he an¬ 
swered with firmness. 

“Yes, it takes education and consecration 
to be a missionary. One meets so many 
varied conditions! Do you remember Mrs. 
Mack, my sister-in-law?” 


Trolley 91 

“Yes,” answered Brun. 

“I’ll tell you one of her experiences. She 
went down to her father’s little ranch, where 
he and his wife had hoped to establish an 
orphans’ home — another great need, my boy. 
They could get no help, so were closing up 
their work there, and planning to go to Tam¬ 
pico to start the ship mission work. Tampico 
does an immense business, and the harbor is 
lined with boats at all times. It is a very 
needy field, indeed, and the influence of lit¬ 
erature placed on a boat is so far-reaching! 
Who knows where that boat may be going, 
and how many might be blessed by the good 
reading matter? Mrs. Mack said that she 
would take a short vacation from her school 
work and care for the farm for them while 
they looked up a location. 

“The adjoining farm was owned by an 
American who spent only about a month each 
year there. He had bought a baby spider 
monkey from a traveling Indian, who said 
that he had carried him from Central America. 
The monkey’s name is Trolley, and he is now 
an immense fellow, about the size of a ten- 
year-old boy. He is very strong indeed, and 
very cunning.' 

“When Mrs. Black and I were visiting her 
parents last winter, we heard the most dread- 


92 With John Brun in Old Mexico 

ful running and confusion in the pasture all 
night long. We feared that a mountain lion 
was after the cattle. As soon as we could 
see, we hurried out to the pasture, and there 
was the monkey clinging to the back of a 
mule, that had nearly run himself to death 
trying to shake the rascal , loose. Trolley w r as 
usually chained with a heavy chain to a large 
avocado (alligator pear) tree, and he had 
made a path around the tree as far as that 
chain would reach. No one was safe very 
close to that path, for he had a long and 
powerful tail. I once saw a Mexican woman 
skirting the trail. She thought she would 
be out of Trolley’s reach there. She had on 
her head one of the huge baskets of bread 
that you see so often.” John nodded. “Sud¬ 
denly out swept that powerful tail of Trol¬ 
ley’s, and caught her by the feet. Over she 
went, with bread flying in every direction. 
The frightened woman scrambled away; but 
she need not have 1 lurried, for Trolley 
grabbed a piece of bread and ran up the 
tree, trailing his chain after him. 

“Once we heard a puppy kiyiing, and we 
ran over, as grandfather had charge of the 
place while the owner was away. Trolley 
was up in his tree, and had the puppy in his 
arms, caressing it. He then went to the end 


Trolley 93 

of the limb, dropped the puppy, and quickly 
swinging himself to the ground, caught him 
before he could run out of reach. The puppy 
was almost dead when we rescued it. 

“Another time, we heard the squawking of 
a goose, and found that Trolley had picked 
every feather from the creature. He let the 
poor, naked thing loose when he saw us 
coming. 

“From this, you can see that he was not a 
very desirable companion. I will read you 
part of a letter my w r ife has sent me, from 
her sister, about an experience with Trolley: 

“‘You remember Trolley, the monkey? 
The day after the children and I reached the 
ranch, we were in the kitchen. You know 
the kitchen is a bamboo hut in the back yard, 
with only one entrance. We were chatting 
away happily, when my heart fairly stopped 
beating, for Earl shouted, “There’s Trolley!” 
Sure enough, he was at the door. He stood 
upright, holding his broken chain with his 
tail high above his head. The children began 
to choke with fear. I spoke firmly, but I 
was afraid too. 

“ ‘Trolley came in, bowing and scraping 
and grinning. He got up on a chair that 
was almost in the doorway. I offered him a 
banana. He ate it slowly, grinning at us the 


94 With John Brun in Old Mexico 


while. Those children were brave. Not a 
sound did they utter. I talked to the mon¬ 
key, though my voice sounded to me sort of 
hollow and forced. He refused the second 
banana, and climbed over on the table. I 
said very low to Earl: “Walk out of the 
door, as though nothing were the matter, and 
go to the edge of the banana grove quietly, 
and when out of sight of the kitchen, run! 
Run as fast as you can for grandfather.” 

“ ‘Then I tried to keep the attention of 
Trolley on me, while I was straining my ears 
to hear signs of father’s coming. It seemed 
so long! I gave that monkey a taste of 
everything in the kitchen that he would take; 
but he was getting very restless, and looking 
about for fresh amusement, when I heard 
father running through the trees. Trolley 
heard him, too, and turned toward the baby 
with a low growl, just as father appeared at 
the door with a heavy iron bar in his hand. 

“‘“Down off that table, Trolley!” com¬ 
manded father; and cowed and subdued, 
Trolley clambered down and marched back 
to his home in the alligator pear tree. He 
knows whom he has to mind. Father was 
determined we should not stay here alone 
with that dangerous fellow so near, and he 


Trolley 95 

sent a message to the owner to come and 
care for him.’ ” 

“I’d like to see Trolley,” interrupted John. 

“Perhaps if you would go to a park in Los 
Angeles you could see him, for she says that 
the owner came and took him there. He said 
that he had intended to give him to his mother 
as a present from Mexico; but you may be 
sure she would not want to keep him, so he 
would be given next to the city. Sister says: 
‘It was interesting to witness the efforts of all 
the neighborhood to get Trolley into the huge 
cage built to take him to Los Angeles. He 
would not go near it. They tried placing his 
food in the cage, but he starved himself rather 
than go near that suspicious-looking concern. 
Finally, after days of experimenting, they 
caught an armadillo, and put it in the cage. 
Trolley would walk around the cage and try 
to get the armadillo through the bars. At 
last, he went into the cage and took the arma¬ 
dillo in his arms, and presto! the door was 
shut, and Trolley and the armadillo are off 
to Los Angeles! It is such a relief to know 
that he is gone!’” 


A MOB ATTACKS THE CHURCH 


HE return to Tepic was accomplished 
in due time; and on their arrival, they 
found Elder Clark already there. 
Young Brun’s first thought was of Carlos, 
and he lost no time in going to see him. As 
he entered the patio, Anita was playing in 
the corridor. She looked up, and with a cry 
of jov which brought the whole family out to 
see what was the matter, she threw herself 
into his arms, exclaiming,. “O Juanito!” and 
covering his brown cheeks with kisses. 
Carlos embraced them both, and all the 
family received John as one of them. 

When the two boys were alone in Carlos’s 
room, he produced' his precious Testament, 
and said:*“0 Juanito, I have found it! Now 
1 know why you and Mr. Black came out 
here among us to teach us the blessed truth. 
I am so happy!” 

“I’m very glad. And your parents?” 
asked John eagerly. 

“Oh, my mother also believes, but she has 
not openly avowed her faith. I have been 
attending the meetings at the mission for 
some time, and she has promised to go while 
Elder Clark is here. Perhaps she will go 
to-night, now that you are here to go with us.” 





A Mob Attacks the Church 97 

“What does your father think?” 

“He does not say anything, but has not 
forbidden me to go; and sometimes when I 
am reading to mother, he listens quietly, but 
always with a newspaper in his hand. We 
say nothing directly to him, but continue our 
reading, and pray that he may see and obey 
the truth.” 

Just then they were called to supper; and 
during the meal, John related their adven¬ 
tures on the journey. When he told of their 
capture by the robbers, and the result, Don 
Ramon remarked: “That is the first time I 
ever heard of Don Manuers sparing anyone. 
It is not often that he kills a man, except in 
self-defense; but money seldom escapes him.” 

Carlos said in a low voice, “It was the 
power of God.” 

“Yes,” replied John, “we felt that the Lord 
was protecting us in a special manner.” 

Don Ramon was very cordial to the boy; 
but all could see that the conversation was 
not very agreeable to him, and his wife dis¬ 
creetly changed the subject by asking about 
Mazatlan. 

As they passed into the parlor, Carlos 
seated himself by his mother’s side, and asked 
anxiously, “Mother dear, will you not go to 


7 


98 With John Brun in Old Mexico 

hear the'good Senor Clark explain the Holy 
Word to-night ?” 

After a moment of hesitation, she replied, 
“Yes, I will go, if you and Juanito will ac¬ 
company me. home.” 

“Of course; that is understood,” responded 
the boys. 

They soon set out, the senora plainly dressed 
in black, with her rebozo closely wrapped 
about her, attended by the two boys, and 
followed at some distance, unknown to them, 
by her husband in the dress of a peon, with 
his coachman’s blanket around him. He was 
drawn thither by motives he did not care to 
analyze, the strongest being curiosity. 

The meeting that night was a very inter¬ 
esting one. From the street in front of the 
humble building in which the meeting was 
held, a large double door opened into a wide 
hall furnished with stone benches. To the 
left was the long meeting room, lighted by 
two windows opening on the street. They 
were fitted with heavy wooden shutters, each 
made in two sections, so that the lower section 
could be closed during services, to prevent 
any disturbance. At the back was a square 
patio filled with trees and flowers, and on 
either side and beyond were the living rooms, 
each having a door opening into the patio. 



( 99 ) 

d « 

ft 9 

> > n 
. } 

* > 9 

* , 


An Irrigating Canal Near Monterey, Mexico 







100 With John Brun in Old Mexico 

A narrow hall at the rear led to another yard 
inclosed by a high stone wall, where the 
domestic animals were kept at night. The 
senora, escorted by the boys, entered the room, 
and sat down on a seat near the door, telling 
the boys to go to their accustomed place. 

Don Ramon cautiously entered the hall, 
and sat on a bench in the darkest corner, 
where he could see and hear all that occurred. 
He did not believe, as did so many of the 
ignorant people around the city, that some 
dreadful calamity would befall them or theirs 
if they so much as breathed the air of the place. 

Some persons, in passing the house, would 
hold their hands over their mouths and noses, 
and hasten by with averted faces; while 
others, a little bolder, would spit upon the 
walls, and mutter curses upon the place and 
the dwellers. 

The singing was spirited, and strange emo¬ 
tions moved both of the parents when they 
heard the voice of their beloved son singing, 
“Pass me not, O gentle Saviour,” and saw 
the happy light on his handsome face. 

The minister was a man in the prime of 
life, who knew and loved the people among 
whom he had cast his lot. He spoke the lan¬ 
guage fluently; and when he announced his 
text, “For God so loved the world, that He 


101 


A Mob Attacks the Church 

gave His only-begotten Son, that whosoever 
believeth in Him should not perish, but have 
everlasting life,” there was undivided atten¬ 
tion in the room, and also from those gath¬ 
ered in the hall. 

The meetings continued during the week, 
with growing interest; and when a church 
was organized, Carlos and his mother were 
among the members. She had asked Don 
Ramon if he was willing; and he, in reply, 
had said gravely: “Have you considered well 
the step you are taking? Do you not know 
that the people are stirred up over these 
meetings? I am afraid there will be trouble. 
You may bring upon yourself persecution, 
and your friends will forsake you.” The 
noble woman answered: “‘Whosoever there¬ 
fore shall confess Me before men, him will I 
confess also before My Father which is in 
heaven.’ ‘He that loseth his life for My sake 
shall find it.’ He died for me, and shall I be 
afraid of persecution for His sake? Shall I 
be less brave than a sixteen-year-old boy?” 

The husband turned abruptly and left the 
room, to conceal from her the emotion he 
could not control. Nothing more was said 
about the matter; but when she and Carlos 
professed their faith and went forward in 
baptism, with many others, he was there in 


102 With John Brun in Old Mexico 

his peon’s disguise. Carlos recognized him, 
however, and an earnest prayer ascended to 
heaven that he might follow them. 

The last night of the meeting, the mission 
was full, and Elder Clark was giving good 
counsel, when suddenly a man entered, and 
making his way to the pulpit, said hurriedly 
to him: “Get out quickly! A mob is coming 
to kill the Americans and destroy the build¬ 
ing!” Hoarse shouts of “Kill the gringos! 
Kill the fanatics!” were heard outside. 

Mr. Black calmly arose, and told the 
people not to be frightened, but to follow 
Elder Clark and the native pastor into the 
rear, while he and a few others remained 
behind to cover the retreat. Young Brun 
volunteered to stay with him, and Carlos ran 
to assist his mother. 

There was no panic, no outcry; all filed 
quietly out after the leaders. They went to 
the farthest corner of the wall. Don Pedro 
climbed up, and found all quiet on that street; 
so he sprang down on the outside, and as the 
men helped the women and children up, he 
assisted them down on the outside, and told 
them to go immediately home by the back 
streets. Carlos went with his mother; but as 
soon as she was safe, he ran back to the mis¬ 
sion to aid his friends. 


A Mob Attacks the Church 103 

In the meantime, Mr. Black and his assist¬ 
ants had barricaded the heavy door, closed 
the windows, and extinguished the lights. 
The mob surged around the house, hooting 
and yelling, trying to break down the door, 
urged on by a tall, dark man wrapped in a 
black cloak. After a little time, a boy came 
running back into the meeting room, and 
called to Mr. Black and the others: “Come! 
Come! The people are nearly all safely over 
the wall. O senores, make haste!” They 
started; but at that moment, the door gave 
way with a thundering crash. The mob 
crowded in, and caught sight of the group 
of men crossing the patio in the bright 
moonlight. A frenzied cry of “Kill the 
Americans!” rent the air, and the mob rushed 
forward in time to see the tall form of Mr. 
Black on the wall. 

A stone flew from the hands of one of the 
attacking party, and hit him on the back of 
the head. He fell forward into the street 
just as a crowd came around the corner. A 
sharp fight ensued, with sticks and stones for 
weapons. It was soon over, the little band of 
Christians retreating as the crowd pressed 
them. Led by one of their number who knew 
every cross street and alley in the city, they 


104 With John Brun in Old Mexico 

reached a place of safety, but then found 
that Mr. Black was not with them. 

None of them had noticed him fall; and 
when Elder Clark arrived soon after, guided 
by the same man who had brought the others, 
John and several of the men started back to 
look for the faithful missionary. On reach¬ 
ing the scene of the disturbance, they found 
everything quiet; the moon shone as brightly 
as before; but lying on the ground were sev¬ 
eral of their number. 

The still, dark forms sent a thrill of fear 
to the hearts of the searching party. Ten 
persons were dead — eight men, one woman, 
and a boy; but Mr. Black was not among 
them. With sad hearts, they carried the 
martyrs into the mission, believing that they 
would not be disturbed there, as the supersti¬ 
tious natives would not come so near death. 
The building was not much injured, and the 
relatives of the dead came and remained, as 
it was not deemed safe for them to venture 
onto the street during the day. 

In the afternoon of the following day, 
while they were debating the best means of 
burying their dead, soldiers came and carried 
away the bodies by force, for burial in the 
potter’s field outside the city, and ordered all 
the others to leave the town at once. 


SOME ARE CAUGHT IN AMBUSH 


V/ ATE that evening, a boy came to the 
house where John was, and gave him a 
13 bundle and a note. The bundle con¬ 
tained a suit of clothing such as the common 
people wear, and the note said only, “Put on 
these clothes and follow the boy.” When he 
came out dressed in the wide white panta¬ 
loons, loose blouse, sandals, and pointed, 
wide-brimmed hat, with a gay blanket 
wrapped around him, he easily passed as a 
companion to his guide. 

After passing through several unfamiliar 
streets, they stopped at a small door in a 
high stone wall. The boy knocked, the door 
was opened, and just inside was Carlos. He 
caught John in his arms, embraced him with 
fervor, and then saying, “Come, my brother,” 
led him through the stables and into a small 
room used for harness and saddles. 

There on a cot lay Mr. Black, pale, though 
smiling, and holding out his arms to the de¬ 
lighted boy. When the excitement of meet¬ 
ing had somewhat worn away, each had his 
story to relate. John found that the others 
knew all he did of the massacre, so Carlos 
told what John had not known. 


( 105 ) 





106 With John Brim in Old Mexico 

“As I rushed back into the street after tak¬ 
ing my mother home, I saw Sehor Black fall 
forward into the street from the top of the 
wall. Then the fight became general, and 
when I could reach him, I found his heart 
still beating, although he was unconscious. 
But what to do I did not know. I tried to 
drag him away, but he was too heavy. Just 
then several men from my father’s hacienda 
appeared, and picking him up, carried him 
here; and we have cared for him.” 

“Yes,” said Mr. Black, with a look of af¬ 
fectionate gratitude; “I am indebted to this 
dear boy for my life.” 

“No, senor, not to me, but to my father. 
His was the order to the men to carry you 
away. But now he thinks that the trouble is 
not over, and it would be better for us to 
leave the city for a time at least. Fortu¬ 
nately for us, some of the trusty men from 
the hacienda came in yesterday, and were in 
time to help last night. To-night we leave, 
and you two go with us; then the others can 
follow to a safe place in the mountains until 
affairs are settled.” 

After the setting of the moon, a silent com¬ 
pany rode out of the little gate in the wall. 
It seemed best for Don Ramon to remain and 
use his influence with the authorities in behalf 


Some Are Caught in Ambush 107 

of the Protestants, as he could trust his loved 
ones with the faithful servants, who, he knew, 
would sacrifice their lives for their mistress. 

The journey was made without incident, 
the party resting in a secluded spot during 
the day, and arriving at the hacienda the fol¬ 
lowing morning at daybreak. Some of the 
guard turned back the first morning, as there 
was really no danger for the rest of the 
journey. 

The hacienda was on the north side of the 
Santiago River, among the mountains, and 
consisted of valleys and hills; and in the 
rocky fastnesses along the river were hiding 
places for more than all those who were on 
the way. 

The native pastor, with Mr. Clark, who 
refused to leave them, remained in hiding 
with his congregation all that day. The town 
was quiet; but Don Ramon knew something 
of what might happen, so he went to see his 
old-time and trusted friend the governor. 
He told him all about the fight, and also the 
preaching of Elder Clark and the work of 
Mr. Black. 

“Were you recognized ?” the governor 
asked him, referring to Don Ramon’s attend¬ 
ance at the church services where the trouble 
occurred. 


108 With John Brun in Old Mexico 

“I think not, as I went in disguise.” 

“Well, I believe that you can serve your 
friends better now by keeping still for a 
while. I will do all I can for you. See that 
they all get out of the city to-night. Per¬ 
haps the arrest of Father Augustine may 
confuse their enemies.” 

The governor then arose, and laying his 
hand upon the shoulder of his lifelong friend, 
said earnestly, “God be with you, Ramon.” 

Don Ramon sent a man to warn the little 
Protestant band, and to tell them to meet at 
a certain place down by the river that night 
as soon after dark as possible. The arrest of 
the priest was made late in the afternoon by 
the governor’s orders, in the hope that it 
might disarrange the plans of the mob, as it 
was known that the priest was the instigator 
of the attack. 

The evening was cloudy and cool, and the 
refugees who had received the warning stole 
softly out of the city, in little groups, car¬ 
rying small bundles containing their most 
valued possessions. Nearly all were on foot; 
but hidden away farther on were a few 
horses, on which the more feeble women and 
the small children were to ride. All went 
quietly along; and the first to reach the meet- 


Some Are Caught in Ambush 109 

ing place, awaited the arrival of the later 
comers. 

At last, all were assembled, and the word 
was given, “Forward!” But suddenly a ter¬ 
rific tumult arose on all sides. Yells, screams, 
shots, and blows echoed from wall to wall of 
the rocky canon; and the poor refugees, taken 
entirely by surprise, were helpless, and were 
struck down like sheep. When silence once 
more reigned, and the moon came out from 
behind the clouds, of the three hundred people 
who had gathered in the chapel twenty-four 
hours before, twenty-five stole affrightedly 
away in the direction of the refuge in the 
mountains. 

Elder Clark and the pastor, Pedro San¬ 
chez, had gone on with the horses, but hearing 
the tumult, started back to ascertain the cause 
of the outburst, and to help if possible. When 
they met the fleeing survivors, being con¬ 
vinced that they could do nothing for those 
left behind, they assisted the new arrivals to 
mount the horses, and all started on their sad 
journey. They were not molested, their 
enemies evidently supposing that they had 
exterminated the whole company. 

The meeting between the bereaved friends 
was affecting in the extreme. Elder Clark 
read the words of Paul, “We are troubled on 


110 With John Brun in Old Mexico 

every side, yet not distressed; we are per¬ 
plexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but 
not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;” 
and all testified that they held not their lives 
dear unto themselves, but counted it all joy 
to suffer the spoiling of their goods, and even 
the loss of their lives, for His sake. 

Said one: “The seed sown in Tepic, and 
watered with the blood of the martyrs, will 
bring an abundant harvest. Let us not be 
crushed by this blow, but go to work with 
renewed energy to build up the cause of 
Jesus Christ.” 

John was deeply impressed with the love 
of these poor ignorant people for their Sav¬ 
iour, and then and there he consecrated his 
life to the service of the Master. Carlos and 
his mother did all in their power to alleviate 
the sufferings of the survivors by sheltering 
and feeding them and caring for the wounded. 

Elder Clark was obliged to return to Gua¬ 
dalajara, and Mr. Black thought best to go 
with him; so an Indian offered to guide them 
through the mountains by paths known only 
to his tribe. 

Young Brun decided to remain with Carlos 
and help the destitute little band. When 
Don Ilamon rejoined his family at the 
hacienda, arrangements were made for the 


Some Are Caught in Ambush 111 

refugees to go farther into the mountains, 
where an asylum was offered them by the 
friendly Indians who inhabited a beautiful, 
secluded little valley. Thither John went 
with them; and as only a few of the Indians 
understood Spanish, he and Carlos, who was 
with them most of the time, began studying 
their dialect. The boys taught them the 
Bible and improved methods of tilling their 
very fertile soil. Brun even taught a little 
school until order was restored, three months 
later, and the Protestants were permitted to 
return home. The Indians then begged to 
have a teacher left with them. One of the 
young men of the company volunteered to 
remain, and he lived with them many years, 
acting in the capacity of teacher, counselor, 
and friend. 

As the refugees were preparing to return 
to their abandoned homes, a man rode into 
the village one morning, and asked for “the 
young American.” When John came, he 
recognized the stranger as the bandit who 
had eaten supper with them the memorable 
night of their capture. The man greeted 
Brun eagerly, and after a few questions con¬ 
cerning his health, asked him to go with him; 
and John assented, although wondering what 
the robber could possibly want of him. Soon 


112 With John Brun in Old Mexico 

they were riding away together over the 
lonely trail. Then his escort began talking, 
telling him that as a result of reading the 
Bibles bought that night, some of the former 
members of the brigand band were living 
in a secluded little canon to the north. “For 
you know,” he said in explanation, “that after 
reading of the gentle Saviour and His work 
upon earth for men, we could not follow the 
old way. Five of us gave our hearts to the 
Lord who died for us, and left the band. We 
are now trying to help all those with whom 
we come in contact. And all this has come 
to us through your hands and those of the 
kind senor with you. Tell me, lad, were you 
not afraid when we pointed our guns at your 
heads and demanded your money?” 

“Yes, in truth, I was afraid at first; but 
not so the brave senor. He fears nothing. 
He is so full of the love of Christ, that he 
thinks not of himself, but only of telling 
others of this same love. How happy he will 
be when he hears of the reformation in your 
lives through his influence! I can see his face 
beam and his eyes shine now, and hear him 
say, ‘Blessed be the name of the Lord.’ ” 

The converted bandit then continued: 
“Now perhaps you can guess why I have 
asked you to come with me. We must know 


113 


Some Are Caught in Ambush 

more, and we want you to explain more of 
the Holy Word to us.” 

On their arrival at the camp, John was 
heartily welcomed. The little colony listened 
with eagerness to his teachings. Next morn¬ 
ing, they asked him to accompany them a 
short distance from the camp, where they 
showed him a small mine they had just opened. 

John was much interested; for, though he 
had heard a great deal of mining talk at his 
uncle’s, he had never actually been in a mine. 
He picked up pieces of rock, in which he 
could see the shining particles of gold, and 
exclaimed: “Actually gold! Why, this mine 
must be very rich indeed!” 

One of the leaders approached him, and 
said, with a low bow: “This is your mine. 
We wish to give a part of it to those who 
have told us the truth.” 

John was accustomed to the courtesy which 
made it habitual to offer one anything one 
might happen to admire, but with no expec¬ 
tations of its being accepted; so he merely 
responded, “Many thanks!” 

“No,” said the leader; “we mean what we 
say. We have decided to give some of the 
gold to pay for Bibles to be given to others, 
and this is what we have saved so far,” hand¬ 
ing him a small bag full of gold dust and 


8 


114 With John Brun in Old Mexico 


nuggets. “You must take it”—seeing him 
hesitate. “Our children come here and work 
with us, digging and washing out the gold 
with their little hands, ‘for our Juanito.’” 

John was so affected by their simple devo¬ 
tion, that he could not speak at first; but 
when he had mastered his emotions, he 
thanked them with all the words at his com¬ 
mand, saying, “Yes, I will accept this, and 
use it for the purpose you have specified.” 

They said that every few months, they 
would send more of the ore of his mine, which 
they had named the “Juanito.” 






HOME AGAIN! A NEW PURPOSE 


HEN the refugees and the family of 
Don Ramon went back to Tepic, John 
Sobs accompanied them; and it was agreed 
that Carlos should go home with him and 
attend school, as the two boys had both de¬ 
termined to consecrate themselves to the work 
of the Master. Young Brun knew that the 
dean of the college would be very glad to give 
them all the help in his power. He assured 
Senora Moreno that his mother would love 
and care for Carlos as her own son, and that 
they would be very happy together. * 

“I can trust my boy with you, John, be¬ 
cause you have the love of the meek and 
lowly Saviour in your heart. May He keep 
you both in His tender care,” said the faith¬ 
ful mother at parting. 

The journey to Mexico City was made 
without incident, and the boys received a 
royal welcome from John’s uncle and his 
family. The girls were never tired of asking 
about their adventures. “O Juanito,” laughed 
Thelma, “your letters were models — of 
brevity! You did not tell us anything.” 

“My dear cousin,” responded John gayly, 
“if you had seen us sometimes, you would 
have thought yourselves fortunate to get any 
word at all.” 


(115) 






( 116 ) 


Government Building in Mexico 













Home Again! A New Purpose 117 

“Dear father and mother!” sighed Mr. 
Turner reminiscently. “How glad they all 
will be to see you looking so strong and 
brown! You certainly have not lost anything 
by missing this year’s school, my boy.” 

“I have learned more in this school of ex¬ 
perience than I ever dreamed of. And what 
a glorious time it has been!” 

“We shall miss you sorely, John. You 
can not know how much you have done for 
us — for your Aunt Elsie, for Thelma and 
Teresa — yes, and for me.” 

“I have been very happy. Much has come 
to me this year to bless me. The most of all 
is the great joy I have in seeing your family 
take a firm stand to work for the Lord while 
time lasts. Uncle John, how do you feel 
about it now?” 

“My heart has been impressed that I must 
be loyal to this message of truth. I know 
that Jesus is soon coming again. The signs 
all about us in the world foretell this with cer¬ 
tainty. I have let my business be my excuse. 
I said that I couldn’t keep the Sabbath and 
run my mine. Now I say, ‘My all for the 
Master.’ Mr. Black and I are taking this 
step together.” 

John’s eyes were dim with tears of joy. 
“Dear Brother Black! He is a sincere Chris- 


118 With John Brun in Old Mexico 


tian. His heart belongs wholly to God. He 
says that his wife had studied the Sabbath 
truth and accepted it some time before he 
did, but he thought the day could not have 
been changed by a church. However, when 
he read in their own catechism, that that 
church ‘substituted the observance of Sunday, 
the first day of the week, for the observance 
of Saturday, the seventh day, a change for 
which there is no Scriptural authority,’ then 
he began to search the Word for himself. 
He had been so busy doing good, that he 
hurried on without much thought to the mat¬ 
ter. Now he is convinced that Sabbath 
observance is essential. More and more 
blessings, really showers of blessings, Uncle 
John!” said the boy happily. 

“1 am so homesick to see my dear parents! 
The years that my whole being was wrapped 
up in money-making, I didn’t give them 
much thought; but now that I want to pre¬ 
pare for life eternal, my heart yearns for them. 
How I’d love to hear father sing again: 

“ ‘The golden morning is fast approaching; 

Jesus soon will come 
To take His faithful and happy children 
To their promised home.’ 

“Your Aunt Elsie will take a trip home 
before very long, if our plans work out. Do 


Home Again! A New Purpose 119 

you think that your mother could care for 
Thelma for a year, if we send her to go to 
school with you?” 

Young Brun sprang to his feet. “Uncle 
John! Do you mean it? Would you let her 
go with us? We shall be so glad — how glad, 
I can not say. And mother’s heart will go 
out to her, and maybe she may in a measure 
take the place of the one who has left us so 
sad and lonely. We shall take good care 
of her.” 

His uncle nodded gravely. 

“I am sure of that,” cried a merry voice, 
as Thelma came bounding in, followed more 
slowly by Teresa, who was very sad at the 
prospect of the first separation from her only 
sister. 

“You will go to Vera Cruz much quicker 
than you came up, as the railroad is clear 
now. I will telegraph to our good friend the 
consul, to know when a steamer leaves for 
New York.” 

The next day, the answer came; and great 
was the delight of John and Carlos when 
Mr. Turner came in and said, “Well, boys, 
the ‘Santiago’ sails in four days, and we will 
go down the day after to-morrow.” 

The trip to Vera Cruz was a novel experi¬ 
ence for Carlos. He had never been on a 


120 With John Brun in Old Meocico 

railway train before, although he had ridden 
in many a strange conveyance. Mr. and 
Mrs. Turner and Teresa accompanied them 
to Vera Cruz, and remained until the steamer 
had sailed. 

As soon as possible after embarking, John, 
who had been a favorite of the captain on the 
outward voyage, sought him out. 

“ITow are you, Captain Jennings?” 

“And who is this big Mexican?” inquired 
the captain. “Can it be poor little Johnny 
Brun?” 

“No, sir,” laughed the boy; “it is Mr. John 
Brun, at your service, sir.” 

“I can scarcely believe that this fine young 
man is the delicate invalid of a year ago.” 

Thelma and Carlos were introduced. 
“They are going home with me to attend 
school,” explained John. 

“But what have you gained in Mexico 
besides health?” asked the captain. 

“Oh, so much! First, a knowledge of the 
Spanish; and of vastly more importance, a 
knowledge of how to do good and help others. 
I now expect to return to prepare myself for 
the ministry. When I left home, my sole 
ambition was to become a great and wealthy 
man; and now my desire is to serve my 


Home Again! A New Purpose 121 

Master by bringing others to Him,” said 
young Brim, with great earnestness. 

“Oh, I always thought you would be a 
preacher! My! When he went down with 
me,” turning to the listeners, “he spent nearly 
all his time on deck with a little red-bound 
book, which I took to be a Bible.” 

The next day brought them to the port of 
Tampico. 

“I am interested here,” said John, as they 
stood on deck watching the approaching 
shore, “for here is where Mr. Black’s folks 
live. He has read me so many extracts from 
their letters concerning their work here! I 
wish we knew where they are, and we might 
have time to look them up while the steamer 
is unloading.” 

The boat was made fast at the dock, and 
the gangplank let down. A group approached 
the three young people. 

“Is this John Brun?” a voice said at his 
elbow. John turned in surprise, and said 
slowly, “Yes; and I am sure that you can be 
no other than Mrs. Black’s father and mother 
and sister,” shaking hands with each in turn, 
“and the three little children of whom I have 
heard so much.” 

“And we have heard much of you, since 
you went west with Mr. Black. I feel that 


122 With John Brun in Old Mexico 

I know Thelma Turner, too, since my sister 
visited me. She talked so much of you!” 
said Mrs. Mack, with a hearty clasp of the 
girl’s hand. Carlos was not left out, either, 
in their cordial welcome. 

“How did you know of our coming?” ques¬ 
tioned Carlos. 

“A telegram from Mr. Black advised us. 
It is such a rare treat to see those of like 
precious faith! Our work here is to meet 
every boat that enters the harbor, and place 
literature upon it. I met a captain the other 
day who knew our dear Brother La Rue in 
Hongkong, China. He recognized a copy of 
the paper I offered him, and told me that he 
received the same paper in Hongkong.” 

“That sounds like ‘to the uttermost parts 
of the earth,’ doesn’t it?” asked Thelma, with 
enthusiasm. 

“Oh, this gospel will go, we know that!” 
answered the old gentleman. “It is needed 
here, surely. Do you know that in the 
shadow of yon mountain there is an altar 
where human life is sacrificed by the Indians? 
Yes; the altar is built high of huge rocks, 
with steps of stone leading to the top. At 
the time of the ceremony, a young girl offers 
herself as a sacrifice. She dresses in pure 
white, and mounts the steps, where, in the 


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( 123 ) 












124 With John Brun in Old Meocico 

presence of the assembled throng, her heart 
is cut out and laid quivering upon the coals 
of the altar.” 

A shudder of horror was the only response. 

“An Indian took me to see the altar, but 
the ceremony is performed secretly. That is 
why we are here — to teach a God of love, 
and not of works. But mother and I are 
getting old. The burden will soon fall on 
younger shoulders,” he said sadly. 

John and Carlos squared their shoulders. 
“On ours, I hope, sir,” said Carlos, gravely. 

“And mine too,” cried Thelma. 

“The steamer is about to sail,” said John, 
a few hours later, “and I see a vender of 
dulce on the wharf. I believe that I must 
have a last taste of pumpkin seed dulce,” and 
he reached for his pocketbook. 

“Hm — you don’t eat that, I trust,” 
laughed Thelma. “You wouldn’t if you 
knew all that I know about it.” 

“And what do you know about this par¬ 
ticular dulce that I fancy?” 

“Well, I used to eat it, too. But one day, 
I watched an old woman prepare it; and 
since, I don’t eat it. She had her mouth full 
of pumpkin seeds to soften them, and would 
take them out one at a time, peel them, and 
drop them into the boiling sirup.” 


Home Again! A New Purpose 125 

“Ugh!” John said, and replaced his pock- 
etbook. 

The voyage was a very different one to 
young Brim from that of a year before. The 
three young people enjoyed every hour of it; 
and before they thought it possible, they were 
sailing into New York harbor. John was too 
eager to see the dear home faces to want to 
linger there, so the first train bore them 
swiftly homeward. The meeting was a joy¬ 
ous one, and Carlos and Thelma received a 
welcome that made them feel at home im¬ 
mediately. 

Here we must leave them for the present, 
happy in their work, and looking forward to 
the time when they can return to their be¬ 
loved Mexico to commence their life work. 


It was New Year’s Day in Tepic. The 
sun shone in an unclouded sky; the breeze 
was soft, and tempered the heat. All nature 
seemed rejoicing. The great doors of the 
mission were wide open, and in the pleasant 
study sat four men earnestly talking. The 
elder, a tall, spare man, of perhaps forty-five 
years, we can easily recognize as our old 
friend Mr. Black. He is talking. 


126 With John Brun in Old Mexico 


“Yes, Elder Clark, six years ago it ap¬ 
peared to human eyes that the Protestant 
work was wiped out here; but as one of our 
company predicted then, every drop of blood 
spilled, has brought forth a bountiful harvest. 
We are now respected, and our work is on 
a permanent basis.” 

“A great deal of this is due to our beloved 
pastor,” said Elder Clark, turning to a tall 
young man who was quietly listening to the 
conversation. “You and your estimable fa¬ 
ther have helped wonderfully to build up 
the work.” 

The young man’s face flushed with pleas¬ 
ure, but he said modestly: “I am sure I have 
done very little in the year I have been home. 
Those who remained after that terrible mas¬ 
sacre, and bore the heat and burden of the 
day, deserve the credit.” 

As Carlos finished speaking, Mr. Black 
turned to John — as he still liked to call him 
— and questioned, “Well, Juanito, do you 
now see the silver lining to that once very 
dark cloud?” 

“I do truly,” answered John. “ ‘God moves 
in a mysterious way, His wonders to per¬ 
form.’ I can see His guiding hand all along 
the way; and we surely testify from our 


Home Again! A New Purpose 127 

hearts, ‘God is our refuge and strength, a 
very present help in trouble.’ ” 

“Have you been out to see the Indians 
since your return?” asked Elder Clark. 

“Oh, yes, sir! They are rejoicing in the 
blessing that has come to them in their new 
schoolhouse and chapel, provided by the lib¬ 
erality of our friends the ex-bandits. These 
men have brought their families into the set¬ 
tlement, to put their children in school, and 
are working the mines with good success. 
Yes, my mind often turns to my dear 
mother’s oft-quoted proverb, ‘Every cloud 
has a silver lining.’” 


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